The housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock (Maggie Smith), instructs her that she is not to go exploring. However, her curiosity gets the better of her, and nosing around the entire estate, she discovers not only a garden that has had its only access door locked since Mary's aunt passed away, but also a cousin who is being kept hidden (Heydon Prowse), due to his many supposed illnesses and sensitivities.
Mary also meets and befriends Dickon (Andrew Knott), a young boy whose older sister is one of the many servants in the large house.
I won't continue describing the plot, not for fear of revealing spoilers, as the book this film is based on (written by Frances Hodgson Burnett) has been available for quite some time, but simply because this is a review rather than a retelling of the plot.
The cinematography, particularly that of the Indian landscape at the beginning and at various points throughout the film, is incredible. The novel has been well adapted, and the characters well portrayed by all the cast.
Of particularly worthy mention is Maberly, who plays the role of Mary with flawless skill, despite the fact that I don't believe she has appeared in anything before or since. She nevertheless seems to have been born to play this role, which she does beautifully.
This is a wonderful family film that will delight audiences the world over.
7 out of 10.
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