‘Hurrah!’ – BBC presenter cried.
RTE Guide declared, ‘The definitive adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows & Amazons’ is on BBC Two.’ More people than ever seemed to watch the classic film, starring Virginia McKenna, which attracted comments on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram while emails were being sent in.
Gabrielle Baalke Off to the Lakes!
Graeme Wood – Just what we need in these extraordinary times…
Dr Lucie Bea D – And Swallows and Amazons is on! A very very early cinema memory for me; I saw it in Hereford and was given a colouring in picture of the Amazons hiding in the reeds watching Swallow.
I’ve just enjoyed watching the film on tv again (I watch it every time!) I can remember watching the film in 1974 with my mum and grandma when I was a nine or ten year old, at the then called Mecca Cinema in Horsham,Mecca Cinema in Horsham, Sussex (sadly now demolished) I remember loving the natural setting and the adventure in the film and remember it being thrilling and suspenseful! Still my favourite film, so cheerful and uplifting. The lovely music! All still brings a tear to my eye.
Back then in the 70s we didn’t have the lakes but at every opportunity our little band of local children would run off over the fields playing, building camps and climbing trees in the woods – such happy, carefree days. Been looking at your website too – what a huge resource about the film – good time at the moment to look through it! Thank you for all the information and being in such a happy film, John Rose
Michael – I spent my summers up in the Lake District as a boy and loved/love the book
Peter Hamilton – Swallows and Amazon’s was one of my all time favourites as a child, it was an adventure that seemed more attainable than famous five etc. I really hope my son loves it as much as I did when he’s older…. I adore lake Coniston. Even in high summer that water is icy and very deep innocent happy times… I‘ve tried to sail out to the island on Coniston lake but there wasn’t enough wind so didn’t quite make it. I collected a fair few of the books in my 20s, brings back lots of memories
Duncan Hall It’s such a good film. Doesn’t feel dated at all, to me.
Peter Ashby something timeless about the film. I can happily sit and watch it any time
Perfect opportunity for children to replicate #WildcatIsland with homemade tents in the living room
Glenn Evans – Read this to all my children when they were toddlers. And saw the film in 1974 myself.
Sophie Neville 
I was introduced to the books in the 1950’s and was given them all as time went on. I have a recording of the film to watch for old times sake and my children “endured” having the books read at bedtime. Don’t lets forget Dick and Dorothea with “Scarab”, and the members of the Coot Club with “Death and Glory”. It wasn’t all ” S & A “.
Thanks so much for writing in. Have you seen the DVD of ‘Coot Club and The Big Six’? I worked on this BBC serial and was asked to write the DVD Extras – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HWVMT72/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00HWVMT72&linkCode=as2&tag=sophnevi-21&linkId=NN7YUK2U7HDDZMWF
Some lovely reflections and recollections on a brilliant and evocative film. They are a joy to read.
It is always good to hear from people who enjoy watching the old film and we are all hugely encouraged by hearing how it has influenced people’s lives.