Hand in Hand (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hand in Hand |
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| Directed by | Philip Leacock |
| Produced by | Helen Winston |
| Written by | Sidney Harmon Diana Morgan |
| Starring | Loretta Parry Philip Needs |
| Music by | Stanley Black |
| Cinematography | Freddie Young |
| Editing by | Peter Tanner |
| Studio | Associated British Picture Corporation Helen Winston Productions |
| Distributed by | Warner-Pathé Distributors (UK) Columbia Pictures (UK & USA) |
| Release date(s) | 7 April 1963 (UK)February 6, 1961 (New York) |
| Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Hand in Hand is a British film from 1961. It tells the heartwarming story of a special friendship between two young children. One is Michael, a nine-year-old Catholic boy. The other is Rachel, a seven-year-old Jewish girl. The movie explores how they learn about each other's beliefs and overcome challenges together.
The film was made in the summer of 1960. It was first called "The Star and the Cross." In the United States, Columbia Pictures released Hand in Hand in 1961. In the UK, it came out in 1963. It was also shown to American kids and adults on the CBS Children's Film Festival in 1967.
Contents
The Story of Michael and Rachel
The movie begins with Michael O'Malley, who is very upset. He tells his priest that he thinks he accidentally hurt his best friend, Rachel Mathias. The story then goes back in time to show how their friendship began.
How Their Friendship Started
Michael first met Rachel when he helped her. Some older schoolboys were teasing her on the playground. Michael quickly stepped in and got her away from them. After that, they became the best of friends. They even decided to become "blood brothers." They pricked their fingers and touched them together.
For their next adventure, they wanted to go to London. They hoped to visit the Queen! Instead, a kind old lady (Sybil Thorndike) found them. She took them to her home for tea. She pretended to be a princess and said her house was one of the Queen's homes. The children had a wonderful time visiting with her.
Learning About Differences
Michael and Rachel knew they went to different places of worship. They also knew their religions were a bit different. But they didn't really think about the details.
One day, a classmate told Michael something upsetting. He said Rachel was Jewish and that "the Jews killed Christ." Michael was very angry and confused. He rushed to Rachel and asked her, "Why did you kill Christ?" Rachel was shocked and said she didn't. She told him she didn't even know Christ.
Michael and Rachel worried that God was angry at them for being friends. They decided to visit each other's churches. They thought they might die if God didn't want them to go.
Visiting Each Other's Churches
Michael secretly went to the synagogue with Rachel on Saturday. He was a little confused by the service at first. But he stayed and started to like it. The kind rabbi even showed him a passage in the Torah. It spoke about God's love protecting him from fear.
The next day, Rachel went with Michael to his church. Rachel was a bit nervous about the service and the statues. But she also started to feel more comfortable after a while. They both felt it was okay for them to remain friends.
A Scary River Adventure
After feeling sure God approved, Michael and Rachel planned a new adventure. They decided to take an inflatable raft on the River Thames. Their goal was to travel all the way to Africa!
At first, everything went well. Michael paddled, and the raft floated gently on the calm water. But then they reached a dangerous part of the river. The current became very strong, and there were rapids. Michael lost control of the raft. Rachel was knocked into the water!
The current was strong, and Rachel got caught in thick bushes near the riverbank. Michael had a very hard time reaching her. Finally, he pulled her out of the river. But she was limp and didn't respond. Michael was terrified. He rushed to get help, and adults called for an ambulance.
The Ending
The movie then returns to the present moment. Michael is still very sad and tells the priest he thinks he killed Rachel. The priest comforts him. He tells Michael that Rachel might be okay. Then, they go to Rachel's home to check on her.
Rachel's rabbi is leaving her house. He smiles and tells them that Rachel is recovering well. He suggests they wait until tomorrow to visit her. Michael is incredibly relieved and rushes home, happy that his friend is alive. The priest and the rabbi, who are good friends, talk warmly. They realize their religions have more in common than they thought. Then, they walk away in different directions.
Meet the Cast
Here are the main actors who brought the characters to life:
- Philip Needs as Michael O'Malley
- Loretta Parry as Rachel Mathias
- John Gregson as Father Timothy
- Sybil Thorndike as Lady Caroline
- Finlay Currie as Mr. Pritchard
- Miriam Karlin as Mrs. Mathias
- Arnold Diamond as Mr. Mathias
- Barbara Hicks as Miss Roberts
- Derek Sydney as Rabbi Benjamin
- Denis Gilmore as Tom
- Kathleen Byron as Mrs. O'Malley
- Barry Keegan as Mr. O'Malley
Awards and Recognition
Hand in Hand was a very successful film. It won 14 international film awards!
- It won a special Golden Globe Award. This award is for the "Best Film Promoting International Understanding." This means the movie helped people understand each other better across different cultures.
- It also won an award in the children’s category at the Venice Film Festival.
- The director, Philip Leacock, was also a top finalist for "Best Achievement in Directing" by the Directors Guild of America in 1961.
Directors Guild of America
- 1962: Nominated, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures – Philip Leacock
- 1961: Won, Best Film Promoting International Understanding
Where to Watch It
The film became available on DVD in the US on October 5, 2010. It was later released on DVD in the UK on July 28, 2014.
