The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (1989)

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

I remember watching this film when i was roughly 8 years old, thirteen long years ago (makes me feel old even though i'm only 21!)and i remember screaming at the television "Run, little girl, RUNNN" I absolutely loved the film as it had two best friends, nice frilly frocks and excitement all rolled into one action packed film. Recently i remembered very vague details of the film and it was driving me insane not knowing the title. All i remembered was a green, little red riding hood like cape/coat, lots of snow, wolves, a big building like a kind of castle and a horse and carriage. I searched for ages and came across this but ignored it as i thought it looked nothing like the memories i had. But after watching the trailer out of curiosity, i realised it was the famous "LITTLE GIRL GETTING CHASED BY WOLVES IN SNOWY FOREST" film that i have been desperately trying to find. Looking back it is very very corny and rather scary for a child may i add, but never the less i think i may have to watch it this Sunday, all wrapped up on the sofa eating crappy foods and plenty of chocolates - cosy. Nothing better than a good reminisce of childhood memories :)

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is one of my favorite books. I read it as a child, have read it to my children, and plan to read it to my grandchildren. I was excited to see that there was a film adaptation. After watching it, I am terribly disappointed. With such a great story to work from, it is difficult to understand how this movie happened. The movie showed some promise in the beginning, but it slowly deteriorated as in continued. The book has a very detailed plot, great character development, and is very believable. All of these are missing in the movie. What a shame. Skip the movie and go straight to the book. Joan Aiken continues the story with "Black Hearts in Battersea" and "Nightbirds on Nantucket". The series is called "The Wolves Chronicles" and Ms. Aiken expands the stories even further, but the first three are my favorite.

You didn't make this movie up (well obviously since it's on this site). I watched it growing up too and my mom taped it. My friend and I watched it a few days ago. Basic summery--although I must warn you, I'm really bad at summaries: A girl goes to stay with her cousin while her Aunt and Uncle travel--I believe some place warm so the mother can get better. However, once the parents are gone, the women left in charge turns out to be not such a nice person. She has plotted to have the parent's ship sunk, fired all the servants except for two, forged a will saying she gets all the money (instead of the two girls). When she realizes the girls have discovered her plan, she sends them to the factory--which is the part you remember. It's a clothes washing place, and during their escape the boy watching the workers gets stuck in the clothing press. In the end, the girls escape and return home, I think they kill the women or the wolves get her or something. Anywho, the parents return--evidently surviving the sinking ship, and I'm supposing they all live happily ever after.

WOWC is actually among the darkest tales I have ever seen that is intended for children. The story itself takes us through a typical Victorian era, the class system and the at times, incorrect politics. Bonnie is a classy young lady, even if it times she appears to be a boy in a nice frock. Viewers will love her pushed friendship with cousin Sylvia, and even more her relationship with Richard O'Briens James. But at times this film is a little too mature for children. The theory that a greedy woman simply comes along posing as a governess to look after some children and they end up starving in a work house will scare parents senseless, but the disturbing death of little Joey and even evil Rupert can be hard to watch. What sets this apart from a lot of children's films is its use of duel baddies. Not only are the children escaping Slighcarp, but also a pack of hungry and menacing wolves. Not to be missed!