Swallows and Amazons is one of those stories that people of a certain age get very protective over. Written in 1925 by Arthur Ransome it has been adapted for a TV series in the 1960’s and a film in the 1970’s. There was a little bit of discussion about this new version when the name of one of the female characters was altered to make it less controversial. The anti PC brigade was out in force, spouting fake outrage at the name Titty being changed to Tatty. It made no difference to the story but professional complainers had a bit of a go all the same.
The Walker children are going on holiday to the Lake District with their mother. The four children ranging from a near adult boy, a teen girl and two younger siblings are looking forward to an adventure, beginning with their train journey They find more than they bargain for when a strange man sits down in their carriage pretending to be their father. He is hiding from the unwanted attentions of Russian spies. After this excitement they arrive at the lakes. The farm they are staying at is on the water side so the children take advantage of a boat and decide to camp out on an island nearby. They call themselves the Swallows after the name of the boat. While exploring on the island they encounter a couple of pirates who go by the name of the Amazons. A rivalry ensues. At the same time the Russian spies are sniffing around looking for the mysterious man from the train.
This is a bit of a throwback to another time. It is a very English film. It is set between the world wars and there is a certain amount of stiff upper lip to the whole thing. The story has been altered from its original text though to appeal to a broader audience. The mysterious man on the train has been changed the most. In the books, he is an old man who is writing a book. Here he is a youngish British agent trying to obtain and hold on to Russian weapon plans.
It is an idealised version of the times. Children have a lot of freedom including spending time on the water without adult supervision or life jackets. It is a simpler time and a slower pace. This is evident in the way the story unfolds. The film makers are never in a rush to arrive anywhere. Gentle pretty much describes it.
The main actors are the children. Instead of perfect individuals that Ransome wrote we are presented with a tight nit family group that has issues. The eldest is on the cusp of manhood and everything that entails, especially in the turbulent time he lives in. He has a certain disconnect from his siblings. Specifically the two younger ones. He has to learn to work together with them in order for all of them to get along. As a group they can seem a bit too jolly at times but there is plenty for each of them to do which soon dispel this.
Where the children’s adventure seems light and breezy, sub plots involving the adult characters are a little more complex. The whole spy plot is quite dark as there is always a threat of violence behind the sweet smile of the lead Russian (Andrew Scott). We also get a look at some of the issues that faced people at the time. The Walker mother (Kelly MacDonald) is facing up to the real possibility of bringing up five children (including an infant) without her seafaring husband. There is no guarantees he will come home. The couple the family stays with have their own real problems to deal with managing their farm.
There is a really strong supporting cast on show. The pair at the farm is played by Harry Enfield and Jessica Hynes. Their characters are relatively minor in the film both are memorable. Rare Spall is the nominal male lead and as usual he is a great screen presence. Andrew Scott as the principal antagonist pretty much chews the scenery every time he is on screen. He is a very capable actor and plays the villain role so well.
Overall, a reasonably gentle family film that keeps you entertained.
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