Friend or Foe (film) facts for kids

Friend or Foe is a British film made in 1982. It was written and directed by John Krish. The Children's Film Foundation helped make it. The movie came out in cinemas in April 1982. It's based on a children's book called Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo, written in 1977.

The film stars John Bardon, Stacy Tendeter, and John Holmes. The story is about two young boys. They are moved from London during World War II. Later, Friend or Foe was shown again. It was part of a special showing of John Krish's films in 2013. It also played at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2014.

About the Story

The story happens during World War II. Two young boys, David (played by John Holmes) and Tucky (played by Mark Luxford), are evacuated from London. This means they are sent away from the city by train. They go to the countryside to stay safe from bombings.

Life in the Countryside

When they arrive in a new village, a kind dairy farmer takes them in. Soon, they get used to country life. They help out on the farm and go to the small village school. They spend their free time exploring the fields and woods. They really enjoy their new life.

A Plane Crash and a Secret

One night, there is a bombing raid near the village. The boys see a German bomber plane crash. They try to tell the local people, but no one can find the plane. The boys get into trouble for wasting everyone's time. The plane had actually sunk out of sight in a pond.

Later, the boys find two German airmen hiding in the woods. These airmen were the only ones who survived the crash. One of the airmen saves David from drowning in the pond. Both airmen can speak English. They let the boys go, but ask them to keep their secret.

A Difficult Choice

The boys feel unsure about what to do. Should they tell someone about the airmen, or keep their promise? They decide to protect the Germans. When one of the airmen gets hurt, he lets the boys "capture" him. He needs medical help. Because of this, the boys become local heroes. The second German airman is later captured too. The boys' foster family understands why the boys helped the airmen.

Meet the Cast

• John Bardon as Jerry
• Stacey Tendeter as Anne
• John Holmes as David
• Mark Luxford as Tucky
• Jennifer Piercey as Miss Evans
• Valerie Lush as Miss Roberts
• Edward Burnham as Mr. Cooper
• Jasper Jacob as German Pilot
• Robin Hayter as Injured German
• Philip Mankium as Captain
• Prentis Hancock as Sargeant
• Ann Mitchell as Mrs. Hardy
• Len Marten as Seedy Reporter
• David Cunningham as Despatch Rider
• Stephen Bent as Corporal