Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #252 in DVD
• Released on: 1999-08-09
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 101 minutes

DVD Description

John Thaw stars as Tom Oakley in the award-winning family drama Goodnight Mister Tom. The DVD is based on the novel by Michelle Magorian and explores the life-long bond which develops between its two lead characters--an illiterate 10 year-old orphan from London (Willie), and a grumpy, cynical old widow who lives alone in the English countryside (Tom). After Willie is forced to seek refuge at Tom’s house in anticipation of the WWII German bombings of London, the story follows the trials and tribulations of the enduring relationship which eventually forms between them. The 101-minute DVD is in DVD 5 format and also features biographies.

Synopsis

Set in a small English town at the start of WWII, Goodnight Mister Tom is based on Michelle Magorian's novel about a cantankerous WWI veteran named Tom Oakley (John Thaw), who, against his will, is paired with a London orphan named Willie Beech. The story is based around the relationship which develops between Tom and Willie, who is sent to him after the children of London were evacuated in preparation for the expected German bombings. After initially receiving a cold and hostile reception from Tom, Willie--an illiterate, shy child who has endured a horrific childhood--soon brings out his caring paternal side, which had sadly disappeared many years earlier. The enduring bond and friendship that the two characters share will change both of their lives forever.

Customer Reviews

Goodnight Mr Tom
This is a "Must See" TV film.
I have not read the book but will after reading the other reviews.
This is a very heartwrenching. sensitive, touching waretime film about an boy evacuated from London to stay with a widowed man in the country and how he gradually settles in to life there. He terrified to be suddenly summoned back to his Mum in London and Mr Tom searches for him when he gets no news from him. There is a close friendship between William and another boy in the village.
The transformation of Mr Tom and William during the story is wonderful.
Do please watch out for the expression on Mr Tom's face when William learns to ride his friend's bike. Superb acting. It's a real tearjerker and I get a lump in my throat every time....wonderful

Fantastic!
My primary school teacher read this book to me and my class when I was 10 (I'm in my late 20's now) and was bought the book soon after. I still read the book every now and again and have watched the film everytime it has come on to the TV. The book is a bit battered, but will always stay in my collection as will this DVD.

The story line follows the book as best it can and it doesn't disappoint. Couldn't have had a better actor to play the role of Mr Tom.

Very good book & Film.

A Sixteen Hankies Job
Usually when I have read a book, the dramatisation disappoints me. With 'Goodnight Mister Tom', this was not so. With occassional artistic licence, this production remained completely true to Michelle Magorian's classic. John Thaw gave the kind of performance we have come to expect from him, but the real star was Nick Robinson, who gave a wonderful performance as William Beech. This was an exceptional piece of dramatisation, and I doubt that we will see its kind again for many years.