The Child

In 1908, lonely middle-aged spinster Janet reluctantly bids farewell to a young relative, a schoolboy, who has spent a brief holiday with her. Janet, who is the author of children's adventure stories, longs for the company of children, and one day is surprised to see a little girl playing in her garden. The child is hungry and inadequately clothed, and Janet takes her into the house, determined to keep her. The next day the police enquire throughout the neighbourhood and call at Janet's house. She conceals the fact that she is hiding the child. Later, the local parson calls and tells Janet that Mrs. Star, a widow and the mother of the missing Sally, is not only heart-nroken but a very sick woman.

Portland Mason

Sally

Pamela Mason

Janet

Sean McClory

Reverend Smith

Judy Osborne

Mrs. Starr

• James MasonDirector
• Inigo JonesScreenplay
• Roy KellinoProducer

Release date

January 1, 1954

Status

Released

Original language

English

Runtime

30m

Genres

Drama