Heidi

Johanna Spyri's two books "Heidi: Her Years of Wandering and Learning" and "Heidi: How She Used What She Learned" are among the best-known and best-selling children's books in the world. It is therefore crucial that the spirit of Heidi's novels is embraced. This 26-part children's series, which was co-produced in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, is closely based on the novels and great importance was attached to a realistic portrayal of the living conditions at the time of the story. For me, it is the best and most detailed film adaptation of the story of Heidi, in the spirit of Johanna Spyri's novels.

I just received the DVD of Heid for my (ho so old already) 30th birthday and it's a brilliant gift: I watched the series when I was 8 years old, can you imagine that ? 22 years ago ! and I think it's lovely, very moving and the landscape is stunning, I'm planning to show it to my little girl when she's old enough ... Why ? I am a city girl and I must say that Heidi made me dream, made me escape to pastures green, it shows the simple life, with no television, no fuss about food (you were happy to get any), you had to be inventive and make your own goods ... OK, on the other hand, you didn't earn a lot of money (but you needed less also I think), medical care was not that good, if you were a stranger you would be shunned and life was though ... but I think life was also more rewarding: you were proud of what you accomplished, you had fresh air and you didn't bother that much to buy buy buy ...

...well the theme tune more to the point. The series is long, and that's probably another reason I remember it, but it has a certain charm, which continues to work 25 or more years after seeing it for the first time. We've just invested in the DVD's(2 x 2disc set). The English dubbing may have been a bit raw with the sound effects of footsteps and doors a little on the heavy side, but the scenes in the alps, and the strong casting make up for that. Being lovers of the Alps, the series feels a little slow in the middle when Heidi is in Frankfurt, but the whole thing is very innocent, except for the maid who I'm convinced was put in by Johanna Spry as the 'daddy' interest. It's very 70's, whatever that means! Highlights Grandfather, Sebastian, the goats, oh and of course the theme tune.

When I was a young boy I watched this show with my heart in my mouth, due to the fact that the girl who played Heidi (Katia Polletin) was quite simply the most beautiful human being I had ever seen. I was absolutely besotted! She was perfectly cast. Her enchanting little face and impossibly pretty eyes, which were full of soul and wisdom, mirrored the character of Heidi to a tee. She'd apparently never acted before, but you can see why they chose her. They must have thought the stars were aligned when her photo landed on their desk. Despite the lack of acting experience, Polletin portrayed Heidi perfectly and her performance was just beautiful. In fact everything about this show was exquisite - the girl, the scenery, the affection she had for her grandfather and vice versa, and the soundtrack, which goes perfectly with the stunning mountain views.

Revisiting it again recently as a fully grown man, I enjoyed it just as much. It really is a wonderful production and many of the scenes between Heidi and her grandfather were so touching I don't mind admitting that I was moved to tears. God bless everyone who was involved in making this show - there'll never be anything as delightful as this made for kids again. I looked everyone up and was very impressed to learn that Katia Polletin gave up acting and studied architecture instead. That seems about right - she had a very intelligent look about her and I doubt whether a career in acting would have challenged her intellect enough. I was also pleased to see that she grew into a very beautiful woman! Still the gorgeous eyes and million dollar smile.

This is well worth buying if you can get the full thing on DVD. If you have kids, expose them to it ASAP!