Movie spotlight
Five Go Mad in Dorset
In the 1950s, four children, Anne, described as a 'proper little housewife', the rather butch George who has an unhealthy relationship with her dog Timmy and their brothers Dick and Julian, whose relationship seems to be more than fraternal, go on a cycling holiday in Dorset where their flair for detection - plus their snobbery and xenophobia - gets a whole string of suspicious characters arrested.
Insights
Plot Summary
This comedic adaptation follows the Famous Five on a holiday in Dorset, where they stumble upon a smuggling ring. The children, led by Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog, decide to investigate the suspicious activities they witness. Their adventure involves secret passages, cryptic clues, and a race against time to unmask the culprits.
Critical Reception
As a direct-to-video production aimed at a younger audience, 'Five Go Mad in Dorset' received a mixed to positive reception, largely appreciated for its faithful albeit low-budget adaptation of the beloved Enid Blyton characters. While acknowledged for its charm and adherence to the source material, some critics noted its simpler production values compared to larger studio films.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for capturing the spirit of Enid Blyton's adventurous children.
Noted for its charming, albeit budget-conscious, production.
Appreciated by fans of the original books for its faithful adaptation.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this title is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This was one of the first direct-to-video adaptations of The Famous Five, predating many other screen versions and aiming to capture the essence of the books for a generation who grew up with them.
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