rachelmartin1012 I can't quite put a finger on why this is one of my favorite movies of childhood. Maybe it's the quirky, fun atmosphere or the fantastic cast. One thing is for sure, it's definitely well worth watching.

jztzt I adore this film. It's silly, kinetic, delightful, and funny. The plot: con-artist Harry Bundage (Leo Mckern) hires an American orphan and lookalike named Casey Brown(Jodie Foster) to go to England and pose as the long-lost granddaughter of Lady St. Edmund (Helen Hayes), who resides in the Candleshoe estate. Harry believes that there's a valuable treasure hidden somewhere within the estate and wants Casey to retrieve it. As Casey grows more attached to the residents of Candleshoe, the question remains, will she betray them or will she have a change of heart and grow to love her newfound family?Jodie Foster is very good in the role of an anarchist tomboy. Her vibrant screen presence makes the film exciting. She's not simply delivering her lines like a lot of child actors but her movements, facial expressions, and eyes do the talking as well. She plays a smart, mature, and tough character. The youngsters who watch the film would probably look up to her as a role model and leader because she stands up against the adult establishment; at times outsmarting them and making them look like bumbling fools. There are other elements kids would identify with as well. For example, the villains are harsh and hostile, and probably similar to how the adult world is seen through kids' eyes. The two seniors at Candleshoe are easy for kids to identify with because they are akin to grandparents. They are amiable, lovable, and adore the company of kids.Many colorful characters are introduced. Some of them are three dimensional and mostly goofy. The shots, action, and images in the film are inventive and amusing, at times are akin to the frames out of a comic book. The story is multifaceted with many plot developments and subplots. The estate, locations, costumes, and sets are elaborate, pristine, and gorgeous.There are minor flaws. By the end of the story, some major questions are never answered. Some plot developments seem contrived and sidetracked. As well, some characters can be better and more thoroughly developed. However, there are enough in-jokes and sophistication that adults will enjoy this film as well. It's a fun and classy family picture.

johnstonjames There are so many rave reviews here by so many who cherish this film that it hardly seems necessary to add anything because everyone said it so well. But because I have always truly loved this film and have always tried to endorse it as one of Disney's finest classics, I'm going to add my two cents worth. Heck, I've added a review when there were over 750 reviews of a film already. I find reviewing our movies is good mental exercise for us all. Especially the ones that are near and dear to us like this film, are an obligation.I have always raved 'Candleshoe'. Even when most adults thought I was crazy for heaping so much praise on such a simple children's film. I think that Helen Hayes was one of classic Disney's best stars, and at the time one of their most bankable. She has all the charm, sweetness, and above all, wholesomeness, that is most appropriate for Disney family films. Any true classic Disney film buff will recognize her right along the other Disney stars like Fred MacMurray, Dean Jones, Don Knotts, Haley Mills, and of course Jodie Foster, who was also one of Disney's very best and most profitable money makers. The film is almost flawless to perfection which always impresses me since, anyone who knows the classic Disney live action product, knows they were usually produced on a modest budget with lots of cost cutting. You can never really tell since the films always look neatly and tightly crafted. Everything clicks. Even the obligatory 'Donald Duck' slapstick ending that is trademark Disney formula, doesn't taint the sweet gentleness of this film. Sure it's a little low level to see villains getting hit on the head with frying pans (funny how in many ways the ending here pre-dates John Hughes 'Home Alone' film)and just a little creepy to see small children being chased with knives and maces and things, but it all works out well in the end. There is also toward the end one breath-taking moment with a train and a Helen Hayes staging a stand off.It's nice to know the film is obtaining some cult status in England. It is a funny little film. But it deserves much more than cult status amongst adults. This film should be thought of as a family classic and a true perennial. It really does deserve it for it seems to have acquired some faithful and loving fans.

Chris Gaskin I watched Candleshoe when ITV screened recently and enjoyed it very much.An American orphan girl is sent to England by a conman and goes to stay at Candleshoe Manor, where some other orphaned children live as well. She makes out to the owner, Lady St Edmond that she is a distant relative but she is really there to look for some treasure that the conman is after. After several adventures, Lady St Edmond finds out about this and the conman and some of his cronies manage to get into Candleshow and a big fight ensures and the police are called and the baddies are arrested. The orphan leaves for America but Lady St Edmond catches up with her at the railway station and makes her make Candleshoe her new home as they have grown rather close to one another.A lot of Candleshow was filmed on location in the Midlands: Warwickshire with the railway scenes being filmed on the Severn Valley Railway.Now to the excellent cast: a young Jodie Foster plays the orphan Casey Brown, David Nivern (who has four roles in this), Leo McKern as the conman and Helen Hayes as Lady St Edmond.Candleshow is a mixture of drama and comedy and is Disney at its best. Great fun.Rating: 3 and a half stars out of 5.