Der Dreckspatz und die Königin

A typically good and effective heartstrings film of the era, with the underdog predictably triumphing, but the very best part was the brilliant Alec Guiness. What a talent! His firm, honest but loyal role as PM Disraeli was surely one of the most intelligent I have seen in film. His entire role dialog was nothing short of premier, with equal talent in his delivery of it that are both so very lacking in today's films, for the most part.

His so very erudite and eloquent speech to the House of Commons about the rights of Britain's children that included Mudlarks(really about all underdogs everywhere), and the obligation for England(and all of us everywhere)to care for and about them was astonishing and encouraging, especially where underdogs and common folk are often seen as nuisances and impediments to rich men seeking political power primarily to help themselves and their rich cronies. In reality, nothing ever changes or improves in the wealthy's perception of those without wealth, but a good fantasy about caring never hurts and may someday help as it showcases human awareness of this best-of-all-worlds ideal if not the real accomplishment of it. Maybe one day? That is the message and benefit and hope of this kind of story.

A grand film in the old style, with outstanding writing and acting.

This is one of those delightful post-war British films that once seen is hard to forget. The story centers around Wheeler, a London "mudlark" (an orphan who scavenges the Thames at low tide), who, upon finding a cameo of Queen Victoria, sets off to Windsor to see "the mother of England." Victoria is secluded as the "widow of Windsor" and a desperate Disraeli is vainly attempting to urge her to resume public duties. However, when Wheeler finally gets to meet his Queen, Victoria is moved to return to her public life. Wonderful performances by Irene Dunne as Victoria, Alec Guinness as Disraeli, Finlay Currie as John Brown and Andrew Ray as Wheeler, the mudlark. If only Fox would release this on DVD or VHS!

Quite an under-stated classic with some superb film-noir scenes shot on the river-bank.

Mudlarks, scavengers for anything at all on the Thames' tidal mud-banks, were only one of the Victorian under-class of homeless, often orphan kids forced to scratch a living, some-how, or die without raising an eye-brow in the great metropolis. This film tells how one of these poor kids attempts to see "The Mother of the Country". Andrew Ray, who plays 'Wheeler' died in 2003. The rest of the cast can never quite out-act the young lad though Findlay Currie as the boozy, kind and understanding John Brown comes close.

I saw the Mudlark when it first came out in 1950 and have not seen it since. I remember the Mudlark as a very charming film and would love to see it again. If anyone is aware of available Video Tapes (NTSC) or DVDs of the Mudlark, please let me know. I remember the stirring performances of Alec Guinness (always top rate) and Finlay Currie. The little boy who plays the role of the Mudlark is really endearing and you pull for him in his quest to see the reclusive Queen Victoria. Thy British film industry of that time certainly was able to come up with some real classics. The ten years following WW 2 must have been the pinnacle of British film. I can't understand how such a first rate film can just disappear...Jim Mills

I found this on YouTube and I'm pleased I did. This is a black and white film from the good old days of movies, before CGI, profanity and mindless action were essential to a movie's credibility; when good acting and intelligent writing were much more important. I'm being overly cynical, I know, but you get the point.

The Mudlark is an enjoyable little film, with a cast of fine British actors of yesteryear who are a pleasure to see in action once more. The plot of this may be a bit silly in places, and sometimes it gets a bit slow (a half baked and totally unnecessary romantic sub plot doesn't help), but for the most part this is a charming movie and should be enjoyed by adults and older children alike.