JohnHowardReid Making his fourth feature film appearance and way, way, down the cast list even though he has more screen time than some of the major players, like Hyde White for example, we have Peter Sellers in a role that will delight his fans. Even though the part is rather short, Sellers' abrasive cop does make several appearances. He also seems to be much chubbier here than we remember him. But there's no mistaking that voice! However, it's Moira Lister with her engaging study of a helpful prostitute who walks away with the film's acting honors. The youngsters are remarkably savvy too – a tribute to writer/director William Fairchild. In fact, this was the first of only three movies that Fairchild directed, although he had a comparatively long career as a screenwriter. Mind you, although Fairchild does go overboard in this tribute to the queen, one has a feeling that he is more than somewhat critical of the crowd's behavior. Also, his use of many constant close-ups of the queen's escort seem designed to show off how impractical and ridiculous are their uniforms – and perhaps the whole ceremony? This movie is available on an excellent Slam Dunk DVD.

eric glasby I first saw John and Julie at the Double Bay Hoyts Theatre in the Sydney Harbour suburb in 1957 but not again in color till about ten years ago when I obtained the Video. It was a huge thrill to have a color copy after so long and be able to revisit the heartwarming film so many times since. The cast of excellent British actors and actresses brought humor and sensitivity to the characters and Colin Gibson and Lesley Dudley were ideally cast as the children. Good old Australian actor Vincent Ball also had a small part and Moira Lister, Noelle Middleton, Syd James, Megs Jenkins, Constance Cummings, Wilfred Hyde Whyte, Peter Sellers and others all added naturally to the proceedings. Briefly said,if you would like an enjoyable, satisfying and nostalgic look into the Fifties era of simplicity and wholesomeness, invite John and Julie into your life.One of my favorite films even today after fifty years.

richard.fuller1 This was shown in America in the early seventies on the short lived CBS Children's Film Festival, which of course was hosted by Kukla, Fran & Ollie, the trio in which Fran was a human being, but Kukla the clown and Ollie the dragon were hand puppets operated by Burr Tillstrom. I had no idea this program was in color for starters, and now to see it nearly 30 years later, it really is an absolute escapist delight. Forget all your troubles in life and focus on two children wanting to see her majesty's coronation. Peter Sellers (nearly unrecognizeable as that cop), Sidney James (whom I just discovered earlier this year in the Carry On movies), and above all others, Wilfred Hyde White, always sensational to listen to.There is nothing I can say about the music. It carries the movie, enters at just the right moments.The coronation as well was brilliant. For her majesty and Winston Churchill's brief appearances? Certainly, but the stars were the British subjects themselves, shown throughout the movie aiding John and Julie in their quest to get to London as well, now gathered along the procession to cheer for the queen. These were the stars, as the movie triumphantly noted at the very end. And now to see it well half a century after the events, three decades after I was first exposed to the story, what more is there to say?God save the queen.

samachson In the summer of 1953 the world's attention turned to London, site of the coronation of young Queen Elizabeth. Two English children, transfixed by the spectacle, decide to run away from home and join the throng. Alone, without a plan or a penny, they journey 150 miles by horseback, bicycle, train and car through some of the most beautiful countryside imaginable. The film includes archival footage that conveys the thrilling spectacle of the British Empire united in one of its last great celebrations. Most of the cast turn in capable performances. Peter Sellers shines in a small early role, Moira Lister ably portrays Moira, the prostitute who briefly becomes a surrogate mother, and Sidney James brings life to his role as John's bitter working-class father. The only real sour note? Leslie Dudley, starring as Julie, is a singularly repellent child, continually pouting and crying. A fat, dour, whining brat, Dudley is woefully miscast in a pivotal role that demands sweetness and charm. Watch this film for the pomp and color of a vanished world, and try to imagine how lovely it could have been with young Haley Mills in the role of Julie.