The Treasure Seekers (1996)

Today’s movie reminds me of most of my favorite stories when I was younger.  I’ve always appreciated imaginative, enterprising children in my fiction, and the Edwardian family at the center of this film are equal parts Pevensie, boxcar, and Baudelaire.  While it’s not one I would’ve actively sought out if it weren’t Capaldi Fall, it makes for an enjoyable, slightly nostalgic hour-and-a-half.

 

The five Bastable children have a problem.  Their father, a down-on-his-luck inventor, is deep in debt, and his Scrooge of a loan shark is eager to collect.  Clever and plucky as they are, the Bastables take it upon themselves to help solve the family’s money woes.  They’re determined to save the day, whether that involves digging for treasure, inventing million-pound miracle cures, or capturing the bailiff before their home can be repossessed.  Since they’re all adorable moppets with a lot of spirit who attract the sympathy of kind-hearted adults, and it’s that kind of movie, I probably don’t have to tell you whether or not they succeed in the end.

 

Noel, the middle Bastable, is a pint-sized poet, and he comes up with a scheme to sell his verses to a newspaper and make his fortune.  This leads him to Mr. Jellicoe, an editor played by PC.  While it’s clear that Jellicoe doesn’t think much of Noel as a writer – his attempt to read one of Noel’s submissions with a straight face is both amusing and admirable – he keeps his behavior professional and refrains from talking down to Noel.

 

Since the film meanders with the children’s ideas at any given moment, it’s a small role, but it’s nice.  Jellicoe reminds me a little of Mr. Whiskers in The Greatest Store in the World – a man concerned chiefly with getting his job done, but one who can’t help but spare a bit of time for a needy, resourceful child thrown into his path.

 

As for other actors, one of the Bastable youngsters is played by Felicity Jones, who appeared on Who in series 4’s “The Unicorn and the Wasp”; she also played a delightful Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey a few years back.  Additionally, keep your eyes out for an eleven(!)-year-old Keira Knightley in a small role.

 

Accent Watch

 

Definitely Scottish.  

 

Recommend?

 

In General – Maybe.  If you like light, family-oriented period pieces, or if you like clever children living by their wits and charms, you’d probably enjoy it.

 

PC-wise – Not necessarily.  Very small role, and while nice enough, it’s nothing special.

 

Warnings

 

Nothing to report.