Heidi

I've watched at least two of the other Heidi versions, and this is probably my favorite. I liked the Shirley Temple version a lot, too, but this one is very charming and Noley Thornton is very cute as Heidi. I watched an older version of Heidi today, and it was good as well (with Jean Simmons), but it was definately not as good as this one (though they both have their strong points).

This version of "Heidi" is so beautiful. It makes you laugh, cry, and you simply love Heidi. Noley Thornton gives an excellent performance as Heidi, Jason Robards made a wonderful character out of Grandfather. Lexi Randall was outstanding as Klara. This movie is something that the whole family should see. Out of all the versions of "Heidi," this one has the most heart and is so beautiful.

each adaptation is a provocation for viewer. because the shadow of reading is large and high. because the expectations are not little. in this case, all is at perfect place. Noley Thornton shines and Jason Robards is the best grandfather. and, like a good film, it is not exactly an adaptation but a translation not for the book but for its spirit. touching and immersive, fresh and lovely, it gives all gifts who was expected. and this is the key of this Heidy, more realistic than other versions, more close than a family film definition. because it is only a movie for children but , in same measure, for refreshing memories of parents. and the cast, especially ,the great Jason Robards, the smart screenplay writer and , sure, Michael Ray Rhodes makes a good and almost admirable work.

The book was one of my childhood favourite books and still is a personal favourite. Adaptations always deserve to stand on their own two feet and this version of Heidi is not an exception. The beginning did seem over-dramatic; some of the characters could have been more sympathetically written(especially the grandfather who's often too hostile, Clara too on some occasions); Clara's healing could have been more gradual; and keeping the grandmother alive longer, to hear that Heidi can now read(one of the book's most heart-warming parts), would have given the adaptation more heart than it already had. These all aside, this Heidi is still good and engaging. It is skilfully filmed, the Alps scenery is just gorgeous and the costume design and the settings in general are handsomely done. It's not big-budget or lavish, nor did it need to be. The music score is always involving and whimsical, always fitting with what's going on. While the dialogue is thoughtfully adapted and warm-hearted and while over-dramatic at times the story is never dull or abrupt, instead it's heart-warming, charming and engaging. The ending did bring a lump to my throat, then again the ending in Heidi is always emotional. The direction keeps things moving at a steady pace while also giving the story life. The acting is not a problem either, Noley Thornton is outstanding as Heidi being both adorable and strong-willed and Jason Robards supports her firmly in a charismatic and very emotionally committed way, though in the more redemptive scenes he could have been more gentle but he did a wonderful job considering how the Grandfather was written here. Lexi Randall's Clara is passionate and touching while Jane Seymour is temperamental and formidable without hamming things up and Patricia Neal's Grandmother is noble and affecting. So overall, not the best adaptation for die-hard fans of the book but as a standalone film, even with the not-so-great things, this version of Heidi is well worth the watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Johanna Spyri's two books "Heidi: Her Years of Wandering and Learning" and "Heidi: How She Used What She Learned" are among the best-known and best-selling children's books in the world. It is therefore crucial that the spirit of Heidi's novels is embraced. This series is a very free adaptation of the novel. I think Johanna Spyri would be surprised at what has been done with her story here. As a Swiss who is familiar with the mountain world, the Heidi novels and the various film adaptations, I think this is the worst adaptation I have ever seen. As a filmmaker, it's also clear to me that you have to adapt and dramatize things when adapting a novel. But this has been painfully unsuccessful here. I recommend Heidi (1978), which is a children's series co-produced in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with 26 parts from 1978. It is closely based on the novels and great importance was attached to a realistic portrayal of the living conditions at the time of the story. For me, it is the best and most detailed film adaptation of the story of Heidi. If you would like to see a more recent movie version of the Heidi story, I recommend the 2015 film tt700392, which, however, ignores the Christian-accented narrative elements of the original.