Whistle Down the Wind
Whistle Down the Wind

Movie spotlight

Whistle Down the Wind

1961
Movie
99 min
English

When an injured wife-murderer takes refuge on a remote Lancashire farm, the farmer’s three children mistakenly believe him to be the Second Coming of Christ.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Director: Bryan ForbesGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A group of children in rural Lancashire mistake a fugitive for Jesus Christ when he hides in their barn. The youngest daughter, Swallow, believes his claims of being innocent and tries to protect him from the authorities and the local community. As the 'miracle' gains attention, the children's faith is tested by the increasingly dangerous reality of harboring a criminal.

Critical Reception

Whistle Down the Wind was widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of childhood innocence and faith, as well as its atmospheric depiction of the Lancashire landscape. Critics lauded Hayley Mills's performance and the film's emotional depth, though some found the narrative occasionally melodramatic. It resonated with audiences for its poignant story and themes of belief and deception.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tender exploration of childhood faith and innocence.

  • Hayley Mills delivers a captivating and memorable performance.

  • The film's atmospheric setting and emotional resonance were frequently highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reception for "Whistle Down the Wind" is not readily available through Google reviews.

Fun Fact

The film's setting in a Catholic convent school was a key element that influenced the children's belief that the fugitive was Jesus Christ.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

An almost internecine plot supports this wonderfully nostalgic story of rural life in late 1950s England. A trio of youngsters live on a farm with their rather neglectful, but not negligent, widower father; their aunt "Dolly" and "Eddie" th...