The Enchanted Forest

Searched, but had given up some years ago. I had really wanted my kids to see it. This movie had great impact on a young lad of 5 (moi), back in 45-46. The amount of love shown really had an influence on me to continue to wrestle with my 'other side". It may even have been the first movie that had me shed a tear! Now, to find a copy to watch, so I can pass judgment on the judgment of my youth! I recommend the viewing of this by youngsters, in a family setting. Yep, Mom and Pop should see it as well. This movie ranks with "The Good Earth" as being able to imbue a sense of warmth in a young person, while observing scenes of dilemma and turmoil.

I'd never so much as heard of this when I first saw it, frankly I don't think most people would have, but like with so many gems that can spring out of the blue I'm so glad I happened to discover it because it can really lighten my spirits. I don't usually take to films that are so old, but this one was definitely a new gem to me because it was just so warm and moving, the old man's dialogue and the way he delivered it and the beautiful forest setting, it really touched my heart. I loved the visuals that the cinecolour technique gave the movie, it was almost dreamlike I thought. And that coupled with just how old a picture it is makes it feel like you're looking through a shimmering window into a world from long ago, which I suppose it is now, but I feel we could still learn something from it. Some might just dismiss it as antiquated sappy hokum, and yeah it is indeed a little schmaltzy, but it's also very sincere and sweet and heartfelt and it's got some very well defined and expressed deep themes about how important it is that we preserve the preciousness of life and nature, and of peace of the heart attained through living in harmony with it. The wonderful performance of Harry Davenport as kindly Old John makes the movie, and his beautiful philosophy on life as well as his relationships with the animals around him was all very soothing to me, he talks to the animals because he trusts and understands them and they do him, and you really believe that he loves them all and his forest home very deeply. And the quaint story plays out satisfyingly enough as he takes care of a child that he found washed down the river one day, and he teaches him the lessons that he's learned while doing what he can to protect his world from the destructive encroachment of loggers, and eventually reunite the shrill but cute little boy with the mother that never stopped looking for him. If there's one thing I didn't like it's the ending, it's so rushed, oversimplified and wrapped up but it fits so it's no big deal.. This beautiful little forest fable is well worth discovering if you have a fondness for vintage family films. It has a bit of a rough weathered look to it but trust me, this is one hidden treasure of a film that truly lives up to its name... "Sorrow is hushed into peace in my heart like the evening among the silent trees."

Filmed in Cinecolor this is a remarkably effective story about a lost child (Billy Severn) raised by an old Hermit and who is taught about life amid nature in the forest. Endearing character actor Harry Davenport (Dr. Meade in Gone With The Wind) is just wonderful as Old John with his dog Bruno at his side and pet crow on his shoulder.There's good support from lovely Brenda Joyce as the kind lady and also from Edmund Lowe. It's available on video folks so you can rent it for the whole family to enjoy.

An unashamedly old-fashioned story about an old hermit living out in the forest and the young boy he befriends in order to teach him about nature. It's a dated, twee and slow moving effort that I managed to catch on TV, although sadly the print used was absolutely horrible.

Animal lovers will be in their element, as the lead, Old John (played with a natural warmth by Harry Davenport) has a DR DOLITTLE-style affinity with animals, particularly in the two familiars he keeps (a German Sehpherd and a crow). At times the film feels like a westernised version of THE JUNGLE BOOK as the good guys come up against some evil loggers determined to exploit the wilderness for their own gains.

THE ENCHANTED FOREST is no classic, but for those who like this sort of stuff it's an efficient time-filler. And it possesses a kind of warming sentimentality that never quite overdoes it in the same way a Disney film would.

This is a beautiful film, it's about family values, morals and living with nature - not destroying it...... It shows what 1 person can do sometimes if he really tries. And the home in the tree is just so beautiful and simple and down to earth. I have watched movies every day since a child of 3 and believe me - I am 57 now and this is still one of the most unforgettable films ever made. Truly a masterpiece of its time. Thank you.