Anyone who is minimally familiar with my comments on IMDb knows that I tend to dislike remakes. There are rare exceptions to the rule. This is one of them. This 1980 edition deserves cult apart and stands as a good movie on its own, and is as good as the 1936 edition. The plot is almost the same but this version is, in some ways, more detailed. In some other aspects this version isn't as detailed.The 1936 version is a fine quality movie in black and white. The 1980 version is a fine quality colored movie. In fact, this version has bright colors. Plus, the beauty of the scenario and architecture of the castle and other constructions in countryside England is stunning. Other than the scenario, many details are neat and add to the appeal and feeling of the era when this takes place, like the clothes, the lovely toys in the games's room and many small little things. Looks like this was an expensive film to make.This film looks positively much older than 1980, but this old-fashioned feeling is only part of its charm and also means that it gives a good feeling of the time it takes place. The soundtrack consists of beautiful classical music, in perfect harmony with the movie's mood.Ricky Schroder enchants as Ceddie, for his cuteness and also for his notorious talent. Alec Guinness portrays the arrogant old Earl and this is one of his best performances, along with his iconic acting as Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars'.Connie Booth as the mother is as great as little Ricky Schroder as Ceddie. Colin Blakely is a good choice as Mr. Hobbs and his famous saying «Well, I'll be jiggered!». Rolf Saxon is an interesting choice for a more serious Dick Tripton rather than the comical Mickey Rooney (whom I prefer).Title in Portugal: 'O Pequeno Lord'.

This fantastic TV Movie made in 1979-80 still holds its place as the Best TV Movie ever made. The production values are fabulous, the cinematography awesome, the music score perfect, the casting magnificent, the pacing on track and the story emotional and very involving. Initially I video taped it, cutting out commercials, and that print was very imperfect. Years later I bought the VHS video version and the picture quality was quite poor with dirt specks and impurities and a very faded, sepia toned print. This film should be on the list for film preservation and remastering. It is a classic and I agree with those of you who say it is the best version to date, as I've seen the others and they pale in comparison. The DVD on Blu-Ray or regular would sell like hotcakes if it were properly marketed and there's a huge whole new audience out there who'd absolutely love it! There is a Website for TV Series Wanted on DVD, but sadly, no such forum for Movies Wanted on DVD. I have a List on my Website at: King Spud's Movie & TV Pages of many great films not yet released on DVD. Someone has been peeking at it as some very obscure films I listed have been produced on DVD. I just wish I could get All of those who own the rights to check out my List. Til then we can hope for the DVD or Hallmark Channel and other cable networks to run it again.

I love this film and think it is criminal that it isn't out on DVD for everyone to enjoy. It is Alec Guiness at his best --as good as Star Wars--and Little Ricky Schroder as perfectly as the author wrote the book. The mother is great and all the supporting cast too. The beauty of English countryside and of New York are wonderful. The lines are terrific. The mother's speech about American values and the lawyers prejudice of English countryside are just fantastic. I have a worn VHS tape from the TV of it that may break any year now. so I really would like it out on DVD. A great children's or Cmas film. I put it up to the level with "It's a Wonderful Life."!!!

This film was released in 1980 (as stated), three years after my younger daughter was born. I taped it on TV, and she watched it avidly for many years. It became a milestone in our family life.Within a year of first seeing it, my daughter knew every line of the script, and we would watch her watching the movie, her lips moving, speaking all the parts...(she was of course, going to marry Ricky Schroder). She still has the tape, and even at 28 years of age, still watches it from time to time. But it is sadly worn, and like another reviewer, I too long for it to be re-released on DVD. It is a beautifully made story performed equally beautifully by a superb cast.It is an exiting story for all ages, with a feel good ending reminiscent of a kinder and more gentle age. May it last forever, and if anyone knows where it may be purchased, either new on tape, or even if it has indeed been released on DVD...please, PLEASE let me know...Enjoy! Brian Arpel