In these troubled times, a slice of something comforting can be just what’s needed. And the new adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows And Amazons could be that thing. Here’s an exclusive new clip – and a world exclusive new poster – to give a flavour of its family-friendly storyline.
The gang of kids being waved off on their Lake District sailing trip here by Kelly Macdonald, Harry Enfield and Jessica Hynes are the Walker kids, Tatty (Teddie Malleson-Allen), Susan (Orla Hill), Roger (Bobby McCulloch) and John Walker (Dane Hughes). Keep an eye on Roger Walker, he looks like a troublemaker.
This clip shows the four kids setting off in their sailing boat Swallow en route to their first encounter with the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy), who sail a dinghy named Amazon. The Walkers camp on an island in the lake while the Blacketts live in their house nearby. But there’s menace at large. A dark presence on the island - the Blacketts’ uncle Jim Turner, AKA 'Captain Flint’ - tests their skills of survival and the value of friendship, and prepare them for the dangers of the adult world.
Das Boot it ain’t (although anyone else reckon those clouds look a little ominous?) but director Philippa Lowthorpe’s adaptation should be a faithful revival of a much-loved adventure yarn.
Swallows And Amazons is out in the UK on August 19.