Posted by Andrew Craig-Bennett on October 03, 2007 at 09:01:08 from 81.144.214.226 user ACB.
In Reply to: Re: New Swallows and Amazons Film? posted by Andy on October 03, 2007 at 08:15:19:
It will be a brave BBC commissioning editor, and a braver producer and director, who take this on. The BBC actually managed to annoy Ransome with their first attempt, and the film sets quite a high standard, despite the cutting of the storm, the fishing and the proper discovery of the treasure.
I would think that a version of WDMTGS followed as a sequel by a version of SW would be a practical project - the locations are, at the moment, reasonably intact.
The Nancy Blackett would, no doubt, be available.
Pin Mill could be cleaned up to its 1930's state with little trouble; the hard, Alma Cottage and the boatyards and moorings are all there. One would have to move the plastic boats out of shot.
At present, albeit not for much longer, Felixstowe Dock exists, and could be brought to a 1930's state, and careful filming of Harwich and Shotley could create a 1930's illusion quite easily.
The ferry that Jim travels across the harbour on - the Brightlingsea - has recently been restored by an enthusiatic owner, and has a passenger certificate.
Flushing is also quite "possible" with some judicious camera angles.
The ferry steamer looks rather different now, but that could be handled with a close up shot of Daddy leaning on the rail.
Secret Water would need a "Speedy" to be created; in other respects the locations are all usable.