The Flame Trees of Thika
starring: Hayley Mills, David Robb, Nicholas Jones, Sharon Maughan, Ben Cross
directed by: Roy Ward Baker
directed by: Roy Ward Baker
List Price: $39.95
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9780767078900
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Miniseries, NTSC
ISBN: 076707890X
Label: A&E Home Video
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: A&E Home Video
Region Code: 1
Release Date: March 29, 2005
Running Time: 350 minutes
Sales Rank: 6779
Studio: A&E Home Video
Theatrical Release Date: January 03, 1982
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Editorial Review:
Description:
When a young Edwardian family leaves the shores of England to build a home in the wilderness of East Africa, what they encounter is beyond their imagination, but forever remembered through the eyes of their 11-year-old daughter. Based on the beloved memoir by Elspeth Huxley, The Flame Trees of Thika brings to life the color and adventure of turn-of-the-century Kenya. In 1913, Robin (David Robb) and Tilly Grant (Hayley Mills) arrive in Kenya with the dream of transforming a barren plot of land into a thriving coffee plantation. But torrential rains, relentless insects and murderous animals, as well as relations with natives and other settlers, challenge their ambitions. Will England call them back? Or will the wide-eyed wonder of young Elspeth (Holly Aird) help unlock the mysteries of a foreign land and open the doors into the pleasures and rewards of a new home? From the creator of Upstairs, Downstairs, The Flame Trees of Thika is an enchanting, critically acclaimed mini-series featuring all seven episodes authentically shot on location.
Amazon.com:
Based on the beloved autobiographical novel by Elspeth Huxley, BBC miniseries The Flame Trees of Thika brings an eventful childhood in Eastern Africa to vivid life. In 1913, 11-year-old Elspeth Grant (Holly Aird) traveled with her mother, Tilly (Hayley Mills), from England to Kenya to help build a coffee plantation. (Born in 1907, Huxley was actually six at the time.) Her father, Robin (David Robb), who had preceded them, was waiting to greet his family in the arid town of Thika. Also waiting for them were lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless other creatures (the 18-week production was filmed on location in Kenya).
Directed by Roy Ward Baker (A Night To Remember) and written by John Hawkesworth (Upstairs, Downstairs), The Flame Trees of Thika isn't just about one girl, or one family, adrift in an occasionally hostile foreign land, but also about the dangers of colonialism. The Grants, their neighbors, the Palmers (Nicholas Jones and Sharon Maughan), and most of the other Europeans in Thika feel certain they're bringing culture to the uncivilized, without realizing what they're destroying in the process. Ian Crawford (Ben Cross from Chariots of Fire), is one possible exception to the rule, but he brings another kind of danger in his pursuit of Mrs. Palmer.
Since their actions are seen through the eyes of a child, The Flame Trees of Thika is never preachy, but the meddling of these adults--however well intentioned--in the affairs of the Masai, the Kikuyu, and other locals frequently creates tension. As Tilly notes, 'It's like two whole separate circles revolving around each other--their world and ours--and only just touching occasionally.' What began as Elspeth's coming-of-age story, becomes one for her parents, as well, in this sensitive and engaging series. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Average Rating: 
Rating:
- Great family filmIf you are a fan of Hayley Mills then you will love this film. It is a great family film/series and ... Read More
Rating:
- Pioneering AfricaThis has been on my wish list for some time. Hayley Mills, remembered from so many Disney movies, is ... Read More
Rating:
- Very enjoyable series!Most of the other reviews cover what the story series is about. I will add that the scenery of flora ... Read More
Rating:
- A wonderful glimpse into Kenya's historyI saw this in VHS format while I was living in Kenya back in 1982. I am going on memory as I write this ... Read More
Rating:
- Pollyanna of the SavannaHayley Mills looks great wherever she is. Half of the American adolescent/pre-adolescent population fell ... Read More
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Copyright ©2003, Mark Carey.