Goodnight, Mister Tom (1998)

86% of users liked it
(1,956 ratings)

In this adaptation of the novel by Michelle Magorian, John Thaw stars as Tom Oakley, an old man with a short temper who doesn't have much use for people. However, after the outbreak of World War II, Tom is forced to take in Willie Bech (Nick Robinson), a young boy who has been evacuated from London… More In this adaptation of the novel by Michelle Magorian, John Thaw stars as Tom Oakley, an old man with a short temper who doesn't have much use for people. However, after the outbreak of World War II, Tom is forced to take in Willie Bech (Nick Robinson), a young boy who has been evacuated from London and sent to the small village Tom calls home. Willie is a quiet, withdrawn child whose childhood has not been a happy one; Tom learns to draw him out, tutors him in reading and writing, and encourages his creative gifts. An unexpected bond develops between Tom and Willie, and when the boy's mother wants him to return to a London that's been torn apart by the blitz, Tom doesn't want him to leave -- and neither does Willie. Goodnight, Mister Tom received its American premier on PBS's Masterpiece Theater in 1999. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Jack Gold
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 30, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Nov 22, 2005
Studio: WGBH Boston Video

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

A five star family film from England. John Thaw (Inspector Morse) plays the part of Mr. Tom. Who during World War 2 takes in a displaced lad who comes from a abusive family. He and Mr. Tom form a bond that last a life time, This is what American TV and Movies are missing good clean… More
A five star family film from England. John Thaw (Inspector Morse) plays the part of Mr. Tom. Who during World War 2 takes in a displaced lad who comes from a abusive family. He and Mr. Tom form a bond that last a life time, This is what American TV and Movies are missing good clean films, and not the likes of Bart Simpson, Family Guy and trash that plagues our TV, 5 Stars
Cynthia S

Nice, nice movie! I have to say this Masterpiece Theatre stuff is some really fine quality stuff. This is a well done, charming, and touching story.
Film C

i love this movie the book is gr8 and well knwn and the adaptation isnt a disappoointament gr8 performances!
Henrik S

A wonderful, tender and heartwarming movie about a boy who is send away to the countryside to stay with "Mr.Tom" The grumpy old man is reluctant to get close to the boy at first, as he is still in mourning over his wife. Yet, as he lears more about the fate of the boy he… More
A wonderful, tender and heartwarming movie about a boy who is send away to the countryside to stay with "Mr.Tom" The grumpy old man is reluctant to get close to the boy at first, as he is still in mourning over his wife. Yet, as he lears more about the fate of the boy he understands that they do have more in common than he first thought. The movie is very sad and mellow, but directed without any melodramatic effects and although the plot is quite heavy and tragic, the movie does not feel overloaded but subtle and observant. Furthermore, the movie is set in the beautiful British countryside, which adds both to the theme of singular tragedies and isolation, as well as making the movie very enjoyable to watch. The cast is very good, especially the lead character (John Thaw). Brilliant movie Henrik
Jojo S

Touching story about a scary old man who is actually not scary at all but simply having problems express himself. One day he got a chance to help a poor boy but ending up revealing much more than what's on the surface.