The Treasure Seekers (1996)

Sadly Over-hyped

Perfect cast and a good story

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Fantastic!

The Story of the Treasure Seekers is the first of the "Bastable" series by E. Nesbit, an English author of children's books who is practically unknown outside of England. This adaptation is most notable for its excellent cast, including early appearances by Felicity Jones and Keira Knightley, an over-the-top bad-guy performance by Ian Richardson, and Peter Capaldi before he developed his more colorful vocabulary. (Most of the other players, both major and minor, will be immediately recognizable to anyone who watches British TV or movies.) There's not much plot, and there are so many characters that you don't really anchor to any (Camilla Power and James Wilby probably have the biggest roles), but it manages to be fairly entertaining throughout. Overall it feels like it would fit in well among the better of the live-action Disney movies of the 60s and early 70s.

THE TREASURE SEEKERS is a workable TV movie adaptation of the Edith Nesbit novel, about a gang of bored kids who get up to mischief when they decide to try to help their inventor father fund his newest creation - a refrigeration unit. To this end they go around digging up the area in a hunt for buried treasure, as well as approaching local loan sharks and attempting to find work.This production has a relaxed, mid-1990s look and feel to it, similar to the BBC adaptation of FIVE CHILDREN AND IT. The child actors acquit themselves well with their roles with only the occasional bit of overacting threatening to spoil things. Two of them, Keira Knightley and Felicity Jones, have gone on to success as adults in the craft. Cast-wise, the reliable Nicholas Farrell plays the affable father, and there are various old-timers in support including Nigel Davenport, Donald Sinden, and Ian Richardson.

GLORY BE, a movie without any undesirables? Hard to believe! If you want a great, clean, fun movie to watch with kids, the family or grandparents, you have landed upon one of very FEW that fit into this category. Many that are in the good, clean and fun category are (sadly) quite lame. This one ISN'T. I am going to buy it!If you are looking for the average, standard fare movie with sex/sensuality, violence or high drama, this one isn't for you. OK, so it won't let me post unless I add more, but I really don't have a book length review-just wanted to pass on the info that this REALLY IS a clean, fun and worth watching movie!:)

Dora (Camilla Power) is the oldest of five children of a widowed father (James Wilby). The family is in fairly dire straits. Father works but expenses are great and the clan is in danger of losing their home. Happily, there is an iron in the fire in that papa has a knack for invention and is working on a mechanical icebox. But, what if he does not complete it and who will provide the backing to make it come to fruition? The children, aware that the situation, decide that they will dig for a buried treasure. Its not found, but, they do meet a real life German princess, along with other new pals. Dora, who bears the heaviest burden, finds work outside the home as a secretary, in addition to being in charge of her younger siblings. Best of all, the kids meet a woman doctor (Gina McKee) who proves to be an invaluable friend. She is especially interested in the invention, for she knows that many hospital medicines need to be cool. Will it all work out for this hard-working, close-knit family? This is a lovely period piece, a true treasure for those who want to share quality films with their families. Although it is British, it has clear English and situations that are universal and the cast, especially McKee, is quite nice. Naturally, the Victorian setting and costumes are beautiful and the photography is also quite wonderful. The plot, at times, seems to dart from one new event to the next, causing a bit of confusion, but it works to a good end. Do seek out this movie, you cinema fans with high standards who also crave hefty entertainment and diversion, too. As stated, this one is a treasure, certainly.