good back-story, and good acting

Best movie ever!

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

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'.

Just a correction to the earlier review regarding filming location. Belvoir Castle is actually in Leicestershire, not Lincolnshire. Other than that I agree with most of the previous comments. Although a tad trite in some scenes the film is quite heart-warming and, as usual, the acting skills of Alec Guiness shine through. I really hope that some digitally proficient individual can obtain the rights to transfer this movie to DVD. I know that I would certainly purchase a copy and, judging by the other favorable reviews here, I wouldn't be alone. How about a 30th anniversary edition? With the Anglo-American aspect, the DVD would surely sell to a family audience on both sides of the Atlantic. I can see it now on PBS !!!

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

The young Rick(y) Schroder is delightful as the displaced and uprooted Little Lord Fauntleroy/Ceddie. Consider the beautiful English countryside as an important member of a stellar cast; mixed together it would be difficult to make anything but an excellent film. That innocent young Fauntleroy melts the heart of his cantankerous grandfather played by Alec Guinness is hardly surprising. It is the typical Christmas good overcoming evil theme in the best Charles Dickens tradition. It is the path of the film, the actors and the setting that make this a jewel. The plot goes something like this: Grandfather sends for grandson.Grandson assumes love, Grandfather is looking for an heir. Heir becomes loved grandson. There are subplots of grandfather not liking American mother/daughter-in-law and refusing to acknowledge her; the deplorable conditions of the estate's workers; and a contender for heir to the title and estate.I watched this gem when it first aired and have watched my poorly transferred VHS copy yearly since (in my household it wouldn't be Christmas without it).I long for this made-for-TV movie to be released on a remastered DVD.