When was whistle down the wind written

Whistle Down The Wind is something of a family affair, in more ways than one. Not only do the principals mostly spring from the Bostock family or their close acquaintances, but the film itself is based on a novel by Mary Hayley Bell, the wife of actor John Mills and mother of Hayley - who plays the lead Kathy.

Some have objected that she is too old to play the part and, strictly speaking this is true, although on screen her proximity to womanhood allows her "I love you" to The Man Blakey Alan Bates a meaning potential unavailable to a younger performer.

Hayley's role and performance reminds one of another she had provided a couple of years back, in Tiger Bay, a related tale of a platonic love between a child and a murderer. The star spent a good deal of her early career in British film persuading audiences that she could successfully grow up on screen.

Much of the success of the film springs from its gentle and sophisticated treatment of religion. Put in the mouths of babes, doctrinal criticism is thereby sidestepped and the biggest, potential, objection to the piece - that the confusion of a murderer with Christ might be blasphemous - is largely defused by having The Man say very little his main conversation, an imitation of the parables, is a re-telling to a rapt audience of 'Ruth Lawrence, air hostess' from a comic.

The mistake in recognition is made by innocents, and is therefore understandable. The director overcomes objections by charm. And while Forbes has his Man reinforce the mistaken impression by his opening words, the first sight of him, arms outstretched newly appeared in a 'stable' a evocative stance reprised as he ultimately surrenders , suggestive heavenward point-of-view-shots and so on, the audience is never made to feel uncomfortable with the suggestions.

In fact at a time when the BBFC had firm views on the Church and established religion seen on screen, the only other title that comes easily to mind dealing with such matters in a light-hearted and successful way is the very different Boulting brothers' Heavens Above! The film's charm is greatly enhanced by a memorable score by Malcolm Arnold, the highlight of which is reworking of We Three Kings - perkily reprised up tempo as the trio of youngsters pay their homage to their 'Christ', or while choreographing a march down the road.

The ensemble playing of the film is excellent. Bernard Lee more familiar to audiences as 'M' in the James Bond series turns in sterling work as father Bostock, while among the younger actors Alan Barnes as Charlie is also a standout.

It is Charlie who expresses the final disillusionment: "It isn't Jesus, it's just some fella," but faith of sorts remains amongst many of the children, even as Blakey is led away.

The film's final sense is of religious reinforcement rather than disappointment "You missed him this time but he'll be coming again," Kathy tells some latecomers to the barn while the details of the murder in question is left sufficiently vague so as not to entirely deprive Bates' character of sympathy, even as he is handed over to the authorities.

There's a sense that the killer has been redeemed by the innocence and trust of his admirers rather than the other way round - a subtly ironic turn of events, which never the less makes for a satisfying conclusion. For those who enjoy British cinema of this decade the charming experience offered by Forbes' debut is unmissable, while others who have seen the film before there will be no hesitation.

FilmFlaneur Jul 1, Details Edit. Such a great image here! Here are some cool videos of the song. First, as fitting the fact that I revised this post in January while choirs were still having to sing virtually, a nice group with some great voices:. Home Blog Store Index 0.

Within a matter of days, the story had been written, bought by her publisher and was on its way to bookshops up and down the country. The novel itself concerns a group of children who believe that a fleeing murderer hiding in a barn is actually Jesus Christ. A fugitive is caught between the prejudice of adults and the innocence of the young. Play Trailer Visit the website. Sign up to our newsletter.

Shows Whistle Down the Wind. Log in to add yourself as a fan! Show Information. Andrew Lloyd Webber. Jim Steinman. Number of Acts. First Produced. Contemporary, Multiple Settings. Cast Size. Orchestra Size. Musical Staging. Music Theatre International. Ideal for. Large Cast. Casting Notes.