A Little Princess

1986

Producer: Feature Films for Families

Distributor: PBS

Key Elements: Characters – Message – Story – Concept

My Review:

This is probably the most obscure movie I could blog about. My sister got the VHS for Christmas when we were in grade school. I happened to watch it again in high school and sort of fell in love with it. To be honest, I developed a mild crush on the lead, Amelia Shankly.

I love how this particular film captured the character of Sara Crewe - her perseverance, her compassion, her optimism, her composure, and the fact that her character never wavers as her circumstances change. There’s a lot about this character to be admired.


Quotes:

• I do not fear death.
• I want to take my books to England.
• We’re rich already.
• I’m not beautiful Mrs. Minchin.
• Her eyes I think. They seem to go right through you. As if… as if she were summing you up.
• I’m interested in names so I looked mine up in a book.
• I’m stupid you see. And fat. People don’t want friends like that.
  - I do.
• It must be horrible to be poor.
  - Do not concern yourself Mademoiselle. Fortunately it is a condition you will never ever experience.
• You mean God wants some people to be poor? Why?
  - As a trial – to strengthen their characters.
• She’s the only one who’s kind to me!
• There are more important things in life than spelling.
• You are quite alone in the world.
• It’s real… I hoped it was all a dream.
• Beggars have nowhere to live – at least I have a room of my own.
• Well see if I care! …It’s no use Melchizadech. I do care.
• Once upon a time there was a princess… Only she wasn’t a real princess. She was just a beggar girl who wondered into the palace by mistake.
• I didn’t know people could be so cruel.
• It’s not what I want… It’s what’s best for you. …Of course I care.
• I’ve seen so many people change lately. I thought you might have changed too…. I have. I don’t trust people anymore.
• Aren't you going to thank me?
  - Thank you?
  For my kindness in giving you a home!
  - No, Miss Minchin, you are not kind. And this is not a home.
• I wasn't laughing, I was thinking.
  - What?
  I was thinking it would be a surprise if I turned out to be a princess after all. Wouldn't it?

Still: