The protagonist is again a ten-year-old girl, this time named Mary. She is orphaned to begin the story line and is transferred to the guardianship of a perennially depressed widower uncle. The wonderful Maggie Smith plays Mrs. Medlock the crusty old head housekeeper who tries to take charge of Mary.

It's another Cinderella story, although in this situation, it's the unconquerable spirit and courage of this little girl herself that drives the storyline forward. The absence of a fairy godmother places the focus for action on Mary. She's too young for a prince and you'll quickly discover that she doesn't need one anyway.

Tension is built into the story line in multiple ways. Mary is orphaned. Medlock is mean, just a bit short of cruel. Mary's new home is an intimidating 100-room gloomy castle-like country mansion. The uncle won't see his ward and disappears on mysterious journeys. There are strange crying sounds in the castle that no one will acknowledge. All of which create a challenge for Mary's relentless and adventurous spirit.

England is a great place for garden shots and the film takes advantage of this to emphasize the transition from the early pathos of the story to the renaissance ending.

The message of the story is carried in the heart and determination of little Mary Lennox played by Kate Maberly. This is a quality family film that has the tradition of a Disney movie without the blandness.