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Dreamchild

Play trailer Poster for Dreamchild PG 1985 1h 33m Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Eighty-year-old Alice Hargreaves (Coral Browne) is about to visit Columbia University to attend a reception in honor of legendary fantasy author Lewis Carroll. As a child, Alice had a close friendship with the writer, who she knew as Rev. Charles Dodgson (Ian Holm), and their relationship was the creative catalyst for Dodgson's most beloved work. However, as Alice reflects on her experiences with the author, she realizes the complexity of their bond has had lasting, deeply felt ramifications.
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Dreamchild

Critics Reviews

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Pauline Kael The New Yorker [Ian Holm gives] a wonderful performance -- sneaky-dirty in its recessiveness, funny and painful at the same moments. Sep 13, 2023 Full Review Nell Minow Movie Mom Rated: 4/5 Nov 27, 2002 Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Dreamchild is an ambitious movie that tries to do a lot of things, and does most of them surprisingly well. Rated: 3/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy This could have been a classic had it not wasted so much time on Alice's simpering assistant (Nicola Cowper) and a tiresome NYC reporter (Peter Gallagher). Rated: 3/4 Sep 25, 2022 Full Review Alan Jones Starburst Exquisite on every level, Dreamchild is a film to cherish. Jul 8, 2022 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 4/5 Jun 11, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Susie B I loved this movie and the performances. Have watched it again and again, and will - again! Fan of Lewis Carroll AND Ian Holm! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/12/23 Full Review Audience Member I saw the film when it opened and later rented it on VHS (not available on DVD yet.) A beautiful and heart wrenching film. Ian Holm as "Lewis Carroll" was sadly overlooked by the Oscars that year. The Muppet/Puppet scenes may strike modern audiences as a bit odd, but they add more charm and realism than CG could. One not to miss if/when it is ever shown. Send requests in to TCM. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member An interesting, underrated delve into the history of one of our most beloved stories. The mesmerizing performances, surreal atmosphere and all around heart make this a memorable experience worthy of anyone willing to step through the looking glass. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Adds a dark undertone to the creation of the Alice story, and is aided by Henson's tactile, creepy versions of the Wonderland characters. But the interesting premise never rises to the level of engrossing. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Ian Holm is brilliant as the misunderstood, stuttering intellect responsible for the Alice In Wonderland stories. Shame on the film award circles for not recognising this exceptional performance! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Amazing film.amazing Coral Browne. I can't understand the "info" Mr. Erickson shares e.g. the film is "lightened": by those to me terrifying and grotesque characters of Jim Henson. And I thought the "long-sur pressed secret" which was revealed to Alice was that she loved him too. Roberta Hodes Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Dreamchild

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Cast & Crew

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Gavin Millar

Director

Coral Browne

Alice Hargreaves

Ian Holm

Reverend Charles L. Dodgson

Peter Gallagher

Jack Dolan

Caris Corfman

Sally Mackeson

Nicola Cowper

Lucy

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Dreamchild

Dreamchild (1985) Dreamchild (1985) Dreamchild (1985) Dreamchild (1985) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Eighty-year-old Alice Hargreaves (Coral Browne) is about to visit Columbia University to attend a reception in honor of legendary fantasy author Lewis Carroll. As a child, Alice had a close friendship with the writer, who she knew as Rev. Charles Dodgson (Ian Holm), and their relationship was the creative catalyst for Dodgson's most beloved work. However, as Alice reflects on her experiences with the author, she realizes the complexity of their bond has had lasting, deeply felt ramifications.
Director
Gavin Millar
Producer
Rick McCallum, Ken Trodd
Production Co
PfH Ltd., Thorn EMI
Rating
PG
Genre
Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 31, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$38.5K
Runtime
1h 33m
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