Original and Remake: The Secret Garden

I'm back with another edition of Original and Remake. This time I'm focusing on The Secret Garden. It is based on the 1911 book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. There are three theatrical film versions, however the original was a silent and unfortunately like many films of the silent era is lost. So I'll be focusing on the 1949 and 1993 versions.

The Secret Garden (1949)

Directed By: Fred M. Wilcox

Starring: Margaret O'Brien, Herbert Marshall, Dean Stockwell

Running Time: 89 Minutes

The Secret Garden (1993)

Directed By: Angieszka Holland

Starring: Kate Maberly, Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott

Running Time: 102 Minutes

Out of these two films, the remake is my favorite and honestly my pick for you to watch. What I don't really like about the 1949 version is that Margaret O'Brien was cast as Mary Lennox, frankly I just don't deem her as bratty enough to play someone like Mary. That would be like casting Shirley Temple in the role. O'Brien is cute, but at times she can be too sugary sweet for me. While I like her in films like Meet Me in St. Louis and Little Women I just can't come around to her in The Secret Garden. Mary Lennox is supposed to be spoiled and bratty and at 10 years old doesn't even know how to dress herself. I buy Kate Maberly more as Mary Lennox. Yes I know *Spoiler Alert* Mary changes at the end but it just never comes together for me. And while the 1949 version has a supporting cast with the likes of Elsa Lanchester as Martha and Kathryn Beaumont as Muriel it's not enough for me. So if you are to see only one I'd say the 1993 version. 

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.