There have been numerous movie and TV versions of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure, but the most kiddie-friendly is this Disney production. Orphaned David Balfour (MacArthur) is sold into shipboard slavery by his mean old uncle, but finds adventure on the high seas and in the rolling hills of Scotland when his ship is commandeered by Highlander Alan Breck Stewart (Finch), and the pair team up to evade the nasty Redcoats on their trail.
It’s a luscious adaptation, complete with stunning Scottish scenery, that’s a truly boy’s own adventure. Of the other versions, there was a 1971 remake, starring Michael Caine as Breck, that’s uneven but enjoyable, and decent TV adaptations from 1995 (with Armand Assante) and 2005 (a BBC series with Iain Glen as Breck).
Is Kidnapped suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
This film is most appropriate for over-8s, who most likely won’t be fazed by a man being shot, another pulling a knife, or a character tumbling down a staircase.
If you like this, why not try: One Of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing, Treasure Island, The Adventures Of Huck Finn, Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, The Race To Witch Mountain,