Candleshoe 1977
Directed by
Norman Tokar
Made by
Buena Vista Distribution Company
Plot Summary
As the crafty con artist Harry Bundage sets his ambitious sights on the legendary treasure of pirate Captain Joshua St. Edmund, he recruits the clever insights of his resourceful cousin Clara to steer him toward its rumored location at Candleshoe, the expansive estate owned by Lady St. Edmund. Armed with a critical clue, Harry enlists the help of street-smart Casey Brown, an American foster child who strikingly resembles the long-lost Honourable Margaret, 4th Marchioness of Candleshoe. In a tantalizing exchange for a share of the anticipated profits, Casey agrees to masquerade as Lady St. Edmund’s granddaughter to help uncover the treasure within the estate.
Upon her arrival at the estate, Casey quickly discovers that Lady St. Edmund grapples with maintaining her noble lifestyle, burdened by mounting financial pressures. The resolute butler Priory is tirelessly dedicated to preventing foreclosure, resorting to pawning valuables, conducting estate tours, and selling produce at the market to keep the finances afloat. His efforts are commendably supported by four local orphans who have been embraced by Lady St. Edmund as part of her family.
As Casey integrates into the fabric of the Candleshoe household, her initial motivations begin to subtly shift from mere self-interest to a genuine wish to unearth the treasure for the benefit of the estate and its inhabitants. However, this noble aspiration nearly costs her dearly when she is severely injured while trying to thwart Harry’s deceitful plans to pilfer funds from Lady St. Edmund. She finds herself in a hospital bed with a significant concussion, unaware that her brave actions have triggered a series of events that jeopardize Candleshoe’s future.
Once Casey learns that Lady St. Edmund is preparing to leave her home and send the children back to the orphanage, her resolve to locate the treasure intensifies. With Priory’s steadfast support, she skillfully deciphers the final clue, enabling her to rush back to Candleshoe just in time to thwart Harry’s brazen attempts to ransack the estate alongside his cronies. As the clash between virtue and avarice escalates, Casey, Priory, and the children emerge triumphant, with the police arriving to unveil the hidden treasure.
As the mysteries of Candleshoe unravel, Casey struggles with a sense of unworthiness, questioning her place within the aristocratic world she inhabits. Even as she feels the pull to revert to her former city life, Lady St. Edmund steps in, offering an unprecedented opportunity for Casey to truly call Candleshoe her home. Initially hesitant about the potential return of Lady St. Edmund’s biological granddaughter, Casey ultimately finds herself swayed by Lady St. Edmund’s heartfelt entreaties, leading her to make the life-changing decision to stay at Candleshoe.
The film culminates in an enigmatic conclusion that sparks curiosity among audiences, leaving the authenticity of Casey’s identity in doubt and prompting the lingering question of whether she is indeed the long-lost Margaret.
Timeline
Harry's Ambition
The crafty con artist Harry Bundage sets his sights on the fabled treasure of pirate Captain Joshua St. Edmund. He recruits his clever cousin Clara to help him seek out its rumored location at the estate known as Candleshoe.
Recruiting Casey
To further his plans, Harry enlists the help of street-smart foster child Casey Brown. Her striking resemblance to the long-lost Honourable Margaret allows her to masquerade as Lady St. Edmund's granddaughter in a quest to uncover the hidden treasure.
Arriving at Candleshoe
Upon arriving at the estate, Casey meets Lady St. Edmund, who faces mounting financial pressures to maintain her noble lifestyle. The dedicated butler Priory works tirelessly to prevent foreclosure, balancing the estate's costs with various efforts to keep the finances afloat.
Building Bonds
As Casey becomes part of the Candleshoe household, she begins to bond with Lady St. Edmund and the local orphans who are treated as family. Her initial motivations for seeking treasure begin to shift toward a genuine concern for the wellbeing of the estate and its inhabitants.
Facing Deceit
During a critical moment, Casey tries to thwart Harry's deceitful scheme to steal funds from Lady St. Edmund. Unfortunately, her efforts lead to a severe injury, and she finds herself hospitalized with a concussion.
A Turning Point
While recuperating, Casey learns that Lady St. Edmund plans to leave her home and send the children back to the orphanage. This revelation ignites Casey's determination to find the treasure, aiming to secure the estate's future.
Deciphering Clues
With the unwavering support of Priory, Casey deciphers the final clues that lead to the treasure. This newfound resolve drives her back to Candleshoe, where she aims to thwart Harry's brazen plans.
Confrontation at Candleshoe
As the confrontation escalates, Casey, Priory, and the children unite to protect the estate against Harry and his cronies. The tension rises as they face off against an impending heist that threatens their very home.
Police Intervention
The police arrive just in time to unveil the hidden treasure, marking a victory for Casey and her allies. Their combined efforts thwart Harry's attempt at theft and bring justice to the estate.
Struggles of Identity
In the aftermath of the chaos, Casey grapples with feelings of unworthiness, questioning her identity in the aristocratic world she now inhabits. She is torn between her life as a foster child and the new opportunities presented at Candleshoe.
A New Home
Lady St. Edmund offers Casey the chance to truly call Candleshoe her home, an invitation that deeply resonates with her. Initially hesitant about the return of her biological granddaughter, Casey is eventually swayed by the Lady's heartfelt pleas.
A Life-Changing Decision
Caught in a moment of reflection, Casey makes the life-changing decision to stay at Candleshoe. Her choice signifies her commitment to the estate and its inhabitants, embracing the new chapter of her life.
Lingering Doubts
As the film concludes, viewers are left questioning Casey's true identity and whether she is indeed the long-lost Honourable Margaret. This ambiguous ending sparks curiosity and invites audiences to reflect on the nature of identity and belonging.
Characters
Casey Brown (Jodie Foster)
Casey is a clever and resourceful American foster child who takes on a transformative journey at Candleshoe. Initially motivated by her own interests, she evolves into a passionate protector of the estate and its inhabitants. Her bravery and quick thinking ultimately lead to her realizing her value within a family structure, making her character relatable and inspiring.
Lady St. Edmund (Helen Hayes)
Lady St. Edmund is the noble owner of Candleshoe, struggling to maintain her estate amidst financial hardships. Her character exhibits resilience and warmth, acting as a mother figure to the orphans she cares for. This duality of being both an aristocrat facing crisis and a compassionate guardian makes her a compassionate yet complex character.
Harry Bundage (Leo McKern)
As a crafty con artist aiming to exploit Candleshoe's treasures, Harry Bundage embodies deceit and ambition. His manipulative character drives the plot's tension, showcasing the darker sides of greed. Despite his villainous intentions, his interactions with Casey and Lady St. Edmund add depth to his role as an antagonist.
Priory (David Niven)
Priory, the dedicated butler of Candleshoe, represents loyalty and steadfastness in the face of adversity. He is committed to preserving the estate's integrity and supporting Lady St. Edmund. Priory's character illustrates the values of duty and honor, often acting as a bridge between the noble and community realms.
Setting
Time period
The movie's time period is not explicitly defined, but it appears to take place in a setting where traditional aristocratic values and the struggles of maintaining a noble lifestyle clash with modern economic challenges. This aspect highlights a world where financial pressures impact the lives of noble families.
Location
Candleshoe Estate
Candleshoe is an expansive estate known for its rich history and connection to the legendary pirate Captain Joshua St. Edmund. This grand location serves as a backdrop for themes of treasure hunting and noble aspirations. The estate is also a home to Lady St. Edmund and the local orphans, reflecting a blend of aristocracy and community.
Themes
🏴☠️
Adventure
The theme of adventure is central to the film as characters embark on a quest for buried treasure, facing deceit and challenges along the way. Casey's journey from a street-smart foster child to a key player in a treasure hunt encapsulates the spirit of adventure. This quest leads her towards self-discovery and a deeper connection with the Candleshoe community.
💔
Identity
Throughout the film, Casey grapples with her identity and sense of belonging. Initially feeling like an outsider, her experiences at Candleshoe lead her to question her worthiness within the aristocratic world. This theme reflects the struggle for acceptance and the quest for personal significance in a new environment.
🤝
Community
The film emphasizes the importance of community as Lady St. Edmund takes in local orphans, viewing them as family. Casey's journey reveals how bonds form in unconventional contexts, showcasing collective strength in adversity. The residents of Candleshoe work together, shifting the narrative from individual ambition to unity.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.