Candleshoe

What’s the Story?

Casey Brown (Jodie Foster) comes from skid row, a place where her foster parents care more about an envelope of money than about her welfare. When she is traded off to a couple of thugs, her life changes for good. Soon she meets a slippery con man named Harry Bundage (Leo McKern) who cuts a deal with her that goes like this: she poses as the long-lost granddaughter of a countess (played by Helen Hayes), all the while looking for a treasure that the countess's forefather buried on the estate called Candleshoe. Casey agrees -- for a price -- and is swept off to England to take her role in the deal. While at Candleshoe, she is greeted by the versatile butler/gardener/driver, Priory (David Niven) who is doing what he can to keep the estate afloat. But Casey finds she is not alone -- Lady St. Edmund has taken in a handful of local orphans. And after finding clues to the treasure, Casey begins to see the value of being part of a real family.

Is It Any Good?

The acting alone makes this movie worth a look. Jodie Foster shows her prowess as a teenage girl fresh from the streets of L.A.. She does not waver when pressed by more seasoned con artists than herself, and she sure knows how to take care of herself when she's challenged by other kids. But the actor who steals the show is David Niven, as the chameleon-like butler who saves Candleshoe from ruin. Helen Hayes plays the gentle, yet relatable grand dame, creating a nice foil to Jodie Foster's tough American kid.

The plot is catchy and active, and the emotions are real. Plus, finding a treasure is always fun. The whole family should enjoy this fun film, even if it seems a bit dated.