Fans of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” may have noticed some particularly dramatic changes to the ending of the 1911 novel in Marc Munden’s new adaptation. The film, now available on premium video on demand, reimagines the conclusion of the story to better align with its themes and to provide its protagonist, Mary (Dixie Egerickx), with more agency. This fresh take on a beloved classic has sparked conversations among audiences regarding the changes made and their significance.
Set in 1947 instead of the early 20th century, the film's script, penned by Jack Thorne, aims to liberate the characters from the oppressive atmosphere of Misselthwaite Manor, a house that has seen better days since the war. In a bold move, the adaptation introduces a dramatic climax where Mary rescues her uncle Archibald Craven (Colin Firth) from a fire that engulfs the manor, a scene that starkly contrasts with the original novel's more subdued ending. Unlike the book, where Archibald simply finds Mary and Colin playing in the secret garden, this version injects action and urgency into the narrative.
As Thorne explains, “We went through a number of different iterations and a number of different ways of telling it. It was the hardest thing, actually.” The creative team recognized that they needed a conclusion that resonated with the grand ruin they had created in the story. This new approach keeps Mary at the forefront and transforms the secret garden into a place for rebirth and renewal, encouraging characters to shed their pasts and emerge stronger.
What You Will Learn
- The film adaptation of "The Secret Garden" introduces significant changes to the original story.
- Mary's character is given more agency in the new adaptation.
- The setting is shifted to 1947, altering the narrative's context and themes.
- The dramatic climax involving a fire symbolizes rebirth and the breaking free from the past.
