Swallows and Amazons (1974 film) facts for kids

Swallows and Amazons is a British adventure film from 1974. It is based on the famous 1930 book of the same name by Arthur Ransome. The movie was directed by Claude Whatham and produced by Richard Pilbrow. It stars Virginia McKenna, Ronald Fraser, and a young Zanna Hamilton. The money for the film came from Nat Cohen of EMI Films. This company also helped fund the popular 1970 movie The Railway Children.

Story of Adventure

Summer Holidays Begin

The story begins during summer school holidays. The Walker children, John, Susan, Titty, and Roger, are staying at a farm. This farm is located near a beautiful lake in the Lake District in England. They are known as the Swallows.

Exploring Wild Cat Island

The children borrow a small boat called a dinghy. They name their boat Swallow. They love to sail on the lake. Their favorite spot is an island in the lake. They call this special place Wild Cat Island. They set up camp there and enjoy their freedom.

Meeting the Amazons

Soon, the Walkers meet two local girls, Nancy and Peggy Blackett. These girls sail their own dinghy, which they call Amazon. The Blackett girls live in a house named Beckfoot. It is located up the nearby Amazon River. The Blackett girls call themselves the "Amazon Pirates". They even fly a "Jolly Roger" flag on their boat.

Island Rivalry

The Amazon Pirates have been visiting Wild Cat Island for many years. They believe the island belongs to them. This sets up a fun rivalry between the Swallows and the Amazons. Both groups want to claim the island as their own territory.

Joining Forces

After some exciting adventures, the two groups become friends. They decide to team up against a common "enemy." This "enemy" is the Blackett girls' Uncle Jim. They call him "Captain Flint." This name comes from a character in the book Treasure Island.

Captain Flint's Challenge

Uncle Jim is usually friendly with his nieces. But now he is busy writing his memoirs. He has become a bit grumpy and unfriendly. The children decide to challenge him. They want to make him join their games again.

The Great Boat Capture Contest

To decide who will lead their group against Captain Flint, the Swallows and Amazons have a contest. They want to see which team can capture the other's boat. As part of their plan, the Walkers make a risky trip across the lake at night. John is later warned by his mother for being so daring.

Titty's Clever Move

Despite the danger, the Walkers win the contest. This is thanks to Titty. She cleverly captures the Amazon boat. She does this when the Blackett girls come to Wild Cat Island.

The Final Battle

Eventually, there is a pretend battle between "Captain Flint" and the children. After the fun fight, Uncle Jim is "tried" for his "crimes." He is then "forced" to walk the plank on his own houseboat! Everyone agrees to be friends forever at a big feast after the battle.

Characters in the Film

• Virginia McKenna - Mrs. Walker
• Ronald Fraser - Uncle Jim
• Simon West - John Walker
• Suzanna Hamilton - Susan Walker (credited as Zanna Hamilton)
• Sophie Neville - Titty Walker
• Stephen Grendon - Roger Walker
• Kit Seymour - Nancy Blackett
• Lesley Bennett - Peggy Blackett
• Mike Pratt - Mr. Dixon
• Brenda Bruce - Mrs. Dixon
• John Franklyn-Robbins - Young Billy
• Jack Woolgar - Old Billy
• David Blagden - Policeman