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{{Short description|1977 live action family film directed by Norman Tokar}}
{{Infobox Film
{{For|the historic location in Lincolnshire, England|Candlesby}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Candleshoe
| name = Candleshoe
| image = Candleshoe DVD.jpg
| image = Candleshoe.png
| image_size = 180px
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| caption =
| director = [[Norman Tokar]]
| director = [[Norman Tokar]]
| producer = [[Hugh Attwooll]]<br>[[Ron Miller]]
| producer = [[Ron W. Miller|Ron Miller]]
| screenplay =
| writer = [[Michael Innes]] (novel)<br>[[Rosemary Anne Sisson]]<br>[[David Swift]]
{{plainlist|
| narrator =
* [[David Swift (director)|David Swift]]
| starring = [[David Niven]]<br>[[Helen Hayes]]<br>[[Jodie Foster]]<br>[[Leo McKern]]
* [[Rosemary Anne Sisson]]
| music =
}}
| based_on = ''Christmas at Candleshoe''<br>by [[Michael Innes]]
| starring =
{{plainlist|
* [[Jodie Foster]]
* [[David Niven]]
* [[Helen Hayes]]
* [[Leo McKern]]
* [[Vivian Pickles]]
}}
| music = [[Ron Goodwin]]
| cinematography = [[Paul Beeson]]
| cinematography = [[Paul Beeson]]
| editing = [[Peter Boita]]
| editing = Peter Boita
| distributor = [[Walt Disney Productions]]
| studio = [[Walt Disney Pictures|Walt Disney Productions]]
| distributor = [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Buena Vista Distribution]]
| released = December 16 [[1977 in film|1977]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|1977|12|16}}
| runtime = 101 minutes
| runtime = 101 minutes
| country = {{USA}}
| country = United States
| language = [[English language|English]]
| language = English
| budget =
| budget =
| gross =
| gross =
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| website =
| amg_id =
| imdb_id = 0075807
}}
}}
'''''Candleshoe''''' is a 1977 American [[Children's film|children's]] [[adventure film|adventure]] [[comedy film]], directed by [[Norman Tokar]] in a screenplay by [[David Swift (director)|David Swift]] and [[Rosemary Anne Sisson]], produced by [[Walt Disney Pictures|Walt Disney Productions]], and distributed by [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Buena Vista]].<ref>[https://d23.com/a-to-z/candleshoe-film/ D23]</ref> Based on the [[Michael Innes]] novel ''Christmas at Candleshoe'' (1953), the film stars [[Jodie Foster]], [[David Niven]], [[Helen Hayes]] (in her final film role), and [[Leo McKern]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Candleshoe (1977) Screen: Disney For the Older Set: Dickensian Disney|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Lawrence|last=Van Gelder|date=August 4, 1978|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D0DE5DC1F3EE432A25757C0A96E9C946990D6CF}}</ref>

'''''Candleshoe''''' is a 1977 [[Walt Disney Pictures|Walt Disney Productions]] live action [[Family film|movie]] based on the [[Michael Innes]] novel ''Christmas at Candleshoe'' and starring [[Jodie Foster]], [[Helen Hayes]] in her last screen appearance, [[David Niven]] and [[Leo McKern]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
[[Confidence trick|Con-artist]] Harry Bundage (McKern) believes that there is a great [[treasure]] at Candleshoe, the large country estate of Lady St Edmund (Hayes).
Con-artist Harry Bundage (McKern) believes that the lost [[treasure]] of pirate Captain Joshua St. Edmund is hidden at Candleshoe, the large
[[English country house|country estate]] of Lady St. Edmund (Hayes). Thanks to Harry's cousin Clara ([[Vivian Pickles]]), a corrupt former cleaning woman at Candleshoe, Harry has the captain's first clue. Harry recruits street-smart American foster child Casey Brown (Foster), employing her to pose as Lady St. Edmund's granddaughter, the Honourable Margaret, 4th [[Marchioness]] of Candleshoe, who disappeared ten years ago at age four. Casey is the right age to pass for the long-lost Margaret and possesses two identifying scars that young Margaret was known to have. Casey agrees to go along with the con and discover further clues in exchange for a cut of the profits.


Arriving at Candleshoe, Casey finds that Lady St. Edmund is living in [[genteel poverty]], and that Candleshoe itself is constantly on the verge of being unable to pay its taxes. Priory (Niven), the estate's [[butler]] (who is forced to pose as various members of the household to conceal that all the other servants have been let go) manages to keep one step ahead of foreclosure by pawning the house's antiques, conducting tours of the estate, and selling produce at market. Four local orphans adopted by Lady St. Edmund assist Priory.
Harry recruits American Casey Brown (Foster)—a street kid—into the plot, employing her to pose as Lady St Edmund's granddaughter, the Honourable Margaret, 4th Marchioness of St. Edmond, who disappeared as a baby after her father died in a car crash. Lady St Edmund, however, is poor and owes money in back taxes. Priory (Niven), her [[butler]] (who is forced to pose as a gardener, chauffeur and gentleman [[Colonel]]), and some local orphan children help keep the estate finances one step ahead of the government by selling produce made on the estate. All of this happens unknown to Lady St Edmund. Initially Casey enters the con attempting to find the location of the treasure; but her affections gradually turn towards that of the household and Lady St Edmund. She eventually joins them in their quest to uncover Lady St Edmund's treasure for the benefit of Candleshoe, rather than for Bundage.


Casey eventually becomes part of the family and decides to find the treasure for the benefit of Candleshoe, rather than for Harry. This nearly costs the girl her life when she is seriously injured trying to prevent Harry from stealing money from Lady St. Edmund. Casey, now unconscious with a severe concussion, is taken to a hospital, and remains there for several days. Meanwhile, without the money Harry has stolen, Candleshoe is unable to pay its taxes and is within days of [[foreclosure]]. When Casey learns that Lady St. Edmund is preparing to go to a [[retirement home]] and send the children back to the orphanage, she breaks down and tells them about the treasure. After unraveling the final clue together, the household returns to Candleshoe to find Harry and his crew tearing the place apart to find the hidden treasure. Casey, Priory, and the children manage to fight off the thieves until the police arrive, inadvertently discovering the treasure in the process.
The four clues revealed in the hunt for the treasure:
*"For the sunrise student there is treasure among books."
*"The paths of glory lead but to the grave." (A reference to the poem "[[Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard]]" by [[Thomas Gray]].)
*"He followed the eclipse for riches and fame; and, if ye would prosper, do ye the same."
*"Underfoot, in the great hall. Look high, look low, discover all."


With Candleshoe safe and her scheme discovered, Casey, feeling she has no right to stay, prepares to return to Los Angeles, but is stopped by Lady St. Edmund, who offers her a real home at Candleshoe. Casey expresses doubt, wondering what will happen if Lady St. Edmund's real granddaughter ever returns, but she is eventually persuaded to return to Candleshoe, with Lady St. Edmund saying that "perhaps she" is her real granddaughter after all.
Casey Brown's "open sesame" for Lady St. Edmund is a piece of music, "Greensleeves." Casey pretends to remember the tune when a music box is discovered hidden in the fireplace.

The four clues were revealed in the hunt for the treasure:
* "For the sunrise student there is treasure among books". This refers to a message in a stained-glass window that can only be seen in the Candleshoe library at sunrise.
* "The paths of glory lead but to the grave". This refers to the poem "[[Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard]]" by [[Thomas Gray]].
* "He followed the eclipse for riches and fame; and, if ye would prosper, do ye the same". The clue refers to a painting of Captain St. Edmund's ship, the ''Eclipse''.
* "Underfoot, in the great hall. Look high, look low, discover all". This clue refers to a statue of Captain St. Edmund in Candleshoe's great hall. The statue's foot is propped on a chest in which the treasure is hidden.

==Cast==
* [[Jodie Foster]] as Casey Brown
* [[David Niven]] as Priory
* [[Helen Hayes]] as Lady Gwendolyn St. Edmund
* [[Leo McKern]] as Harry Bundage
* [[Vivian Pickles]] as Clara Grimsworthy
* Veronica Quilligan as Cluny
* Ian Sharrock as Peter
* Sarah Tamakuni as Anna
* David Samuels as Bobby
* [[John Alderson (actor)|John Alderson]] as Jenkins
* [[Mildred Shay]] as Mrs. McCress, Casey’s Foster Mother
* [[Michael Balfour (actor)|Michael Balfour]] as Mr. McCress, Casey’s Foster Father
* [[Sydney Bromley]] as Mr. Thresher
* Michael Segal as Train Guard


==Location==
==Location==
[[File:Compton Wynyates.jpg|thumb|right|[[Compton Wynyates]], the main filming location.]]
[[Compton Wynyates]], in [[Warwickshire]], the home of [[Spencer Compton, 7th Marquess of Northampton|Spencer, 7th Marquess of Northampton]], posed as the fictional estate of Candleshoe.
[[Compton Wynyates]] in [[Warwickshire]], then home to [[William Compton, 6th Marquess of Northampton]], posed as the fictional estate of Candleshoe.


The [[Severn Valley Railway]] that runs between the midland towns of Bridgnorth and Kidderminister in the United Kingdom was used as a location in the film.<ref>Severn Valley Railway News Issue 43, Spring 1977</ref>
A [[GWR 4575 Class]] appears in the train chase sequence with a GWR shirtbutton logo on either side of its tanks.


==Cast==
==Music==
In September 2015, [[Intrada Records]] released a special edition of the soundtrack containing the entire score from the film plus bonus material, including alternate takes of some tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.intrada.com/s.nl/it.A/id.9740/.f?sc=13&category=22848|title=Candleshoe|website=[[Intrada Records]]|date=September 14, 2015|accessdate=November 22, 2019}}</ref>
* [[David Niven]] - Priory

* [[Helen Hayes]] - Lady St. Edmund
==Reception==
* [[Jodie Foster]] - Casey
[[Metacritic]] gave the film a 68% score.<ref>[https://www.metacritic.com/movie/candleshoe/details Metacritic]</ref>
* [[Leo McKern]] - Bundage

* Veronica Quilligan - Cluny
==Release==
* Ian Sharrock - Peter
While Candleshoe had its theatrical debut in 1977, seven more years passed before the movie premiered on the [[Disney Channel]] in February 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/disneychannelmagazine_1984_february/page/n1/mode/2up?q=Candleshoe|title=Three Disney Channel Stars Remember Walt|magazine=Disney Channel|date=February 1984}}</ref> The movie was subsequently released for home video twice in VHS format which occurred sometime in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. While the former's date is not known, the re-release came on January 24, 1992.<ref>{{cite news|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912204837/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/01/24/mel-brooks-tycoon-returns-in-life-stinks/|archivedate=September 12, 2024|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/01/24/mel-brooks-tycoon-returns-in-life-stinks/|title=Mel Brooks Tycoon Returns in Life Stinks|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 24, 1992}}</ref> Candleshoe was released in DVD format twice as well, occurring on September 14, 1999 by [[Anchor Bay Entertainment]] and on June 1, 2004 by Disney.
* Sarah Tamakuni - Anna

* David Samuels - Bobby
==See also==
* John Alderson - Jenkins
* ''[[Crooks and Coronets]]'' (1969)
* [[Mildred Shay]] - Mrs. McCress
* ''[[Fitzwilly]]'' (1967)
* Michael Balfour - Mr. McCress
* ''[[Anastasia (1997 film)|Anastasia]]'' (1997)
* [[Sydney Bromley]] - Mr. Thresher
* ''[[Herbie Rides Again]]'' (1974)
* Michael Segal - Train Guard

* [[Vivian Pickles]] - Grimsworthy
==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20190403042759/https://movies.disney.com/candleshoe}}
* {{imdb title|id=0075807|title=Candleshoe}}
* {{IMDb title|0075807}}
*[http://www.ultimatedisney.com/candleshoe.html Candleshoe DVD Review]
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|candleshoe}}
* {{TCMDb title|70171|Candleshoe}}
* [http://www.ultimatedisney.com/candleshoe.html ''Candleshoe'' DVD review]


{{Norman Tokar}}
{{Norman Tokar}}


[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:Disney films]]
[[Category:1977 children's films]]
[[Category:Comedy films]]
[[Category:1970s adventure comedy films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:1970s children's comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:American adventure comedy films]]
[[Category:American children's comedy films]]
[[Category:American heist films]]
[[Category:Films based on British novels]]
[[Category:Films directed by Norman Tokar]]
[[Category:Films directed by Norman Tokar]]
[[Category:Films produced by Ron W. Miller]]

[[Category:Films scored by Ron Goodwin]]
[[de:Abenteuer auf Schloß Candleshoe]]
[[Category:Films shot in England]]
[[it:Una ragazza, un maggiordomo e una lady]]
[[Category:Films shot at Pinewood Studios]]
[[simple:Candleshoe]]
[[Category:Walt Disney Pictures films]]
[[Category:1977 comedy films]]
[[Category:Rail transport films]]
[[Category:1970s English-language films]]
[[Category:1970s American films]]
[[Category:English-language adventure comedy films]]

Latest revision as of 04:23, 13 November 2024

For the historic location in Lincolnshire, England, see Candlesby.

Candleshoe
Theatrical release poster
Directed byNorman Tokar
Screenplay by
Based onChristmas at Candleshoe
by Michael Innes
Produced byRon Miller
Starring
CinematographyPaul Beeson
Edited byPeter Boita
Music byRon Goodwin
Production
company
Distributed byBuena Vista Distribution
Release date
  • December 16, 1977 (1977-12-16)
Running time
101 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Candleshoe is a 1977 American children's adventure comedy film, directed by Norman Tokar in a screenplay by David Swift and Rosemary Anne Sisson, produced by Walt Disney Productions, and distributed by Buena Vista.[1] Based on the Michael Innes novel Christmas at Candleshoe (1953), the film stars Jodie Foster, David Niven, Helen Hayes (in her final film role), and Leo McKern.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Con-artist Harry Bundage (McKern) believes that the lost treasure of pirate Captain Joshua St. Edmund is hidden at Candleshoe, the large country estate of Lady St. Edmund (Hayes). Thanks to Harry's cousin Clara (Vivian Pickles), a corrupt former cleaning woman at Candleshoe, Harry has the captain's first clue. Harry recruits street-smart American foster child Casey Brown (Foster), employing her to pose as Lady St. Edmund's granddaughter, the Honourable Margaret, 4th Marchioness of Candleshoe, who disappeared ten years ago at age four. Casey is the right age to pass for the long-lost Margaret and possesses two identifying scars that young Margaret was known to have. Casey agrees to go along with the con and discover further clues in exchange for a cut of the profits.

Arriving at Candleshoe, Casey finds that Lady St. Edmund is living in genteel poverty, and that Candleshoe itself is constantly on the verge of being unable to pay its taxes. Priory (Niven), the estate's butler (who is forced to pose as various members of the household to conceal that all the other servants have been let go) manages to keep one step ahead of foreclosure by pawning the house's antiques, conducting tours of the estate, and selling produce at market. Four local orphans adopted by Lady St. Edmund assist Priory.

Casey eventually becomes part of the family and decides to find the treasure for the benefit of Candleshoe, rather than for Harry. This nearly costs the girl her life when she is seriously injured trying to prevent Harry from stealing money from Lady St. Edmund. Casey, now unconscious with a severe concussion, is taken to a hospital, and remains there for several days. Meanwhile, without the money Harry has stolen, Candleshoe is unable to pay its taxes and is within days of foreclosure. When Casey learns that Lady St. Edmund is preparing to go to a retirement home and send the children back to the orphanage, she breaks down and tells them about the treasure. After unraveling the final clue together, the household returns to Candleshoe to find Harry and his crew tearing the place apart to find the hidden treasure. Casey, Priory, and the children manage to fight off the thieves until the police arrive, inadvertently discovering the treasure in the process.

With Candleshoe safe and her scheme discovered, Casey, feeling she has no right to stay, prepares to return to Los Angeles, but is stopped by Lady St. Edmund, who offers her a real home at Candleshoe. Casey expresses doubt, wondering what will happen if Lady St. Edmund's real granddaughter ever returns, but she is eventually persuaded to return to Candleshoe, with Lady St. Edmund saying that "perhaps she" is her real granddaughter after all.

The four clues were revealed in the hunt for the treasure:

  • "For the sunrise student there is treasure among books". This refers to a message in a stained-glass window that can only be seen in the Candleshoe library at sunrise.
  • "The paths of glory lead but to the grave". This refers to the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray.
  • "He followed the eclipse for riches and fame; and, if ye would prosper, do ye the same". The clue refers to a painting of Captain St. Edmund's ship, the Eclipse.
  • "Underfoot, in the great hall. Look high, look low, discover all". This clue refers to a statue of Captain St. Edmund in Candleshoe's great hall. The statue's foot is propped on a chest in which the treasure is hidden.

Cast

[edit]

Location

[edit]
Compton Wynyates, the main filming location.

Compton Wynyates in Warwickshire, then home to William Compton, 6th Marquess of Northampton, posed as the fictional estate of Candleshoe.

The Severn Valley Railway that runs between the midland towns of Bridgnorth and Kidderminister in the United Kingdom was used as a location in the film.[3]

Music

[edit]

In September 2015, Intrada Records released a special edition of the soundtrack containing the entire score from the film plus bonus material, including alternate takes of some tracks.[4]

Reception

[edit]

Metacritic gave the film a 68% score.[5]

Release

[edit]

While Candleshoe had its theatrical debut in 1977, seven more years passed before the movie premiered on the Disney Channel in February 1984.[6] The movie was subsequently released for home video twice in VHS format which occurred sometime in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. While the former's date is not known, the re-release came on January 24, 1992.[7] Candleshoe was released in DVD format twice as well, occurring on September 14, 1999 by Anchor Bay Entertainment and on June 1, 2004 by Disney.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ D23
  2. ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence (August 4, 1978). "Candleshoe (1977) Screen: Disney For the Older Set: Dickensian Disney". The New York Times.
  3. ^ Severn Valley Railway News Issue 43, Spring 1977
  4. ^ "Candleshoe". Intrada Records. September 14, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  5. ^ Metacritic
  6. ^ "Three Disney Channel Stars Remember Walt". Disney Channel. February 1984.
  7. ^ "Mel Brooks Tycoon Returns in Life Stinks". Chicago Tribune. January 24, 1992. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024.
[edit]
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