Description

Goodnight Mister Tom 1998
1h 48min | Drama, War | TV Movie 25 October 1998

Storyline

We’re in an English village shortly before Dunkirk. “Mr. Tom” Oakley still broods over the death of his wife and small son while he was away in the navy during WWI, and grief has made him a surly hermit. Now children evacuated from London are overwhelming volunteers to house them. Practically under protest, Mr. Tom takes in a painfully quiet 10-year-old, who gradually reveals big problems. William nightly wets the bed. He can’t read or write, although he is intelligent and shows artistic talent. He constantly dreads going to hell. Scars cover his back. Mr. Tom soon realizes that his little boarder comes from a horribly abusive home, and determines to provide him a better one. All goes well until William’s mother persuades him to return to London for a few days’ visit. When Mr. Tom hears nothing from the boy after two weeks, he can endure the loneliness and worry no longer.

User review:

I saw the movie before I read the Michelle Magorian book and I enjoyed both. The movie, more than the book, made me come close to tears on several occasions. This film touches the deepest points of the human soul and never lets go. I encourage as many people to watch this masterpiece as much and as soon as possible. I give it ten stars.

Director: Jack Gold
Writers: Brian Finch (adaptation), Michelle Magorian (novel)
Stars: John Thaw, Nick Robinson, Annabelle Apsion