The 14

How I found this movie was through my appreciation of the Bee Gees music. I had heard that their song Melody Fair was the theme song in the movie Melody. From there I looked up Mark Lester and Jack Wild, who were both in the movie Melody, and I found this movie listed on IMDb. I found it on YouTube and finished watching it a few moments ago! I think this movie was touching and the acting was quite convincing even from the kids who were truly acting like troubled, undisciplined kids, rather than actors with lines. This movie definitely interested me enough to where I would love to find out what happened to the kids.

This is not so much a review of the film "The 14" it's more a report on how shocked I was when I read that Jack Wild had died, and HOW he died - very sad. I work for Channel Nine in Sydney, Australia and this film was aired on their GEM network which shows a lot of old and sometimes obscure movies. If you want to watch a well made and moving film then this is it. Apart from the performances I think the Directing by David Hemmings is superb.

I read recently that Jack Wild sent an open letter to Daniel Radcliffe warning him of the perils of becoming a child star. I hope he heeds his warning.

Csporsha I would love to know what happened to the whole family! I found this film back in 2003 when I rented it (I'm a huge Jack Wild fan, always was) as I had a home video but after it was not submitted for re-certification a year or so later, it and many more gems vanished for years. I recently found it to rent on Prime. I have great memories of that time in the 70's and the struggle of the family is so heart-warming. I wish you all the very best. Joanne :)

well maybe i am being a bit biased this film was written about my family i am the daughter of one of the 12 brothers (billy) i have seen the film many times and it still makes me smile every time i see it the story is about my nan, set after my grandad died. my nans wish was to keep the family together, and my uncle reg tried very hard to do so but who wants to foster 14 children...?? the film is not an exact account of what happened some things have been made up for the film purposes i suppose and i still get told by my dad, uncles and aunts this wasn't true and that wasn't true. but all in all a good film " the moral of the story is family and how we should all stick together" if you want anymore info on the film please contact me i'd be happy to try and answer your questions ..! there is also a book written about the family too but i have been unable to obtain a copy if anyone knows of where i can get one, or an original copy of the film i'd be very grateful.

For a relatively obscure film this film features powerful performances. There is no doubting the talent of Jack Wild but it is the supporting cast which carries the movie. And June Brown's performance as the single mother who becomes a martyr is galvanizing. Do you love your mother? If you can find this film I highly recommend you see it. An underrated gem by David Hemmings.