Classics: A Review of Heidi By Lauren Ennis

They say that home is where the heart is and that quote has rarely rang more true than when applied to the character of Heidi. The 1880 children's novel remains a beloved classic over a century after its initial publication and has gone on to inspire dozens of adaptations film adaptations. One of the lesser known, but arguably one of the best, of these adaptations of the novel is Disney's 1993 television miniseries. This adaptation faithfully recounts the beloved tale of one girl's journey to find her home with an authenticity, sincerity, and beauty that ensure it more than earns it's place on the shelf and in the hearts of the whole family.

"It is good to be on the mountain; body and soul get well there"

The story begins with infant Heidi's parents storming off following a heated argument with her grandfather. Shortly after, she is orphaned when her parents are killed in a tragic accident. The story then flashes ahead five years and reveals that Heidi has been living with her cousin Dete while her grandfather has lived in seclusion in the mountains. When she is offered a lucrative position in the city, Dete decides that she has shouldered the burden of Heidi's care long enough. She brings the little girl to the Alps to live with her grandfather, despite his reputation as a reclusive madman. Her grandfather is initially resentful of Heidi and sees her presence as a painful reminder of his own guilt and bitterness. Over time, however, the child's innocence and kindness prove infectious not just to her grandfather but to their entire community. Similarly, the liberation and inspiration of the mountains work their own magic and heal Heidi's loss and loneliness. Just as the unlikely duo begin to build a new life for themselves, however, Dete returns and upends Heidi's life yet again. She forces her young cousin to take a position working as a companion to a disabled young girl in Frankfurt. The confines of city living soon take a toll on Heidi and leave her a quiet, conventional, shadow of her former self. Will Heidi ever return to her beloved mountain and if she does will it still be the home that she remembers?

Disney's adaptation of Heidi sets itself apart from other adaptations ironically by being the least 'Disney-ified' telling of the classic tale. While other adaptations have resorted to a sugary sweetness that has made Heidi pop-culture shorthand for sentimentality, the miniseries refuses to shy away from the darker aspects of the original novel. Rather than an plucky orphan in the style of Annie or Pollyanna, Heidi is instead a kind, but still frightened and wounded, child struggling with loss and repeated abandonment. As a result, she is a heroine young viewers will relate to as well as root for. Similarly, rather than just a grouch, her grandfather is a man tormented by a guilt, bitterness, and regret that have driven him into a deep depression. The journey that both undergo as they learn to open themselves up to not just one another but also the wider world is nothing short of inspiring. Even the supporting characters undergo emotional transformations as Klara is forced to confront her insecurities and possessiveness and Peter must come to terms with the wider world beyond the safe familiarity of his isolated village. As a result this Heidi is less a moralistic aspirational tale than a complex coming of age story. Discover the beauty and wonder of the Alps and maybe even yourself along the way with Heidi.

"The happiest of all things is when an old friend comes and greets us"

The miniseries transports viewers to the majesty of the Alps thanks to the work of its cast. Jane Hazelgrove perfectly captures the callousness of Heidi's selfish cousin, Dete. Jane Seymour makes for a formidable, but all too human, villain as Klara's overly protective governess, Fraulein Rottenmeier. Sian Phillips infuses Klara's grandmother, Frau Sesemann with gentleness and warmth. Benjamin Brazier personifies boy next door charm as Heidi's best friend, Peter. Patricia Neal lends humor and wit to her turn as Peter's grandmother. Lexi Randall aptly portrays Klara's loneliness and insecurity. Jason Robards is the ultimate curmudgeon with a heart of gold as Heidi's gruff but loving grandfather. Noely Thornton shines in a portrayal of Heidi that avoids becoming saccharine through a unique blend of earnestness, quiet strength, and empathy.

1993's Heidi is certain to delight fans of the original novel and newcomers to the Alpine adventure alike. The script relates Johanna Spyri's beloved novel with sincerity and authenticity without veering into sugary sentimentality. The performances bring the familiar characters to colorful life and the filming locations in the Austrian Alps are nothing short of majestic. Escape the hustle and bustle of modern living with Heidi.

The hills are alive...

International Readership!

 Hello Readers,

Just shout-out to the Dubai Public Library, Gail Borden Public Library, and Black Gold Library Cooperative for sharing A Boy's Best Comrade with readers around the world!

Classics: A Review of A League of Their Own By Lauren Ennis

 "There's no crying in baseball!" curmudgeonly coach Jimmy Duggan declares in the 1992 crowd-pleaser A League of Their Own. The irony is that by the end of this historical sports drama even the most hardened of viewers will have a lump in their throat. Blending comedy, drama, and heart the film pays apt homage to the great American pass time and the people who love it most. For a sports film that continues to score big hit the field with the ladies of the Rockford Peaches with A League of Their Own.

The story begins in 1988 with elderly Dottie Hinson attending the opening of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame. The film then flashes back to 1943 when the nation was embroiled in World War II and professional sports were all but over. In an effort to revive the dying professional sports industry and boost national morale several MLB team owners band together to form a women's league. Ace catcher Dottie is spotted at a local softball game by scout Ernie Capadino. While Dottie is content in her marriage to a local soldier and work at a dairy her sister Kit is desperate to escape their small town. Ernie then reveals that he will only allow Kit to try out as pitcher if Dottie agrees to try out as well. Both sisters are then recruited for the Rockford Peaches along with a colorful cast of misfits worthy of the Bad News Bears. The team soon enlists the services of alcoholic former Cubs star Jimmy Duggan as manager. So begins a season that makes for the ultimate Cinderella story and an enduring tribute to the great American pass time.

Over thirty years after its release this feel good sports dramedy remains in a league of its own. The film sheds light upon a fascinating but largely forgotten moment in history, while relating an all-American tale of opportunity and teamwork. Despite its often light-hearted tone, the film wisely does not shy away from the sexism and limitations that the players faced. Instead, the film uses those obstacles to relate a tale of the American Dream as the women use a combination of individual skill and grit along with teamwork to overcome that adversity. The film also highlights the ways in which baseball provides the women the opportunity to overcome their personal struggles as each of the players uses their success on the field to build a better future off of it. For a sports movie that is sure to get you cheering run the bases with the Rockford Peaches in A League of Their Own.

The story comes to bey turns heartfelt and hilarious life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Jon Lovitz is bitingly funny as talent scout Ernie. Megan Cavanagh lends heart and humor to "homely" tomboy Marla. Rosie O'Donnell blends wisdom with wisecracks as street-wise Doris. Madonna infuses what could have easily have been a one-note-role as sexy taxi dancer Mae with world-weariness and humor. Lori Petty infuses Kit with a scrappiness and charm that ensures viewers will sympathize with her desperate desire to escape her sister's shadow. Tom Hanks turns in one of the most entertaining performances of his career as hard drinking tough talking manager. Jimmy. Geena Davis makes for a compelling leading lady as she blends intelligence, grit, and warmth, as team team captain, Dottie.

Through its expert blend of fact, fiction, comedy, and drama, A League of Their Own makes for a delightful slice of American pie. The script brings history to life while still maintaining a human heart. The cast ensure that viewers will be rooting for the Peaches just as hard as the teams' fans. Celebrate the great American pass time and step up to the plate with the Peaches in A League of Their Own.