Heidi is an orphaned girl initially raised by her aunt Dete in Maienfeld, Switzerland. In order to get a job in Frankfurt, Dete brings 5-year-old Heidi to her grandfather, who has been at odds with the villagers for years and lives in seclusion on the alm. He at first resents Heidi's arrival, but the girl manages to penetrate his harsh exterior and subsequently has a delightful stay with him and her best friend, young Peter the goat-herd.
Cinematography
Switzerland shot so gorgeous you'll book flights immediately.
Acting
Michael Redgrave's gruff-to-mushy grandfather arc.
Production
Practical alpine locations, zero green screen nonsense.
Director
Delbert Mann
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jennifer Edwards is Blake Edwards' daughter; he directed her in 'The Party' same year. Nepotism served her well.
This aired on NBC as a Hallmark Hall of Fame special and became the definitive Heidi for American boomers, beating out the Shirley Temple version in cultural memory for that generation.
US
