The Dragon of Pendragon Castle


The Dragon of Pendragon Castle is a 1950 English family film directed and produced by John Baxterand starring Leslie Bradley, David Hannaford, Lily Lapidus, and Hubert Leslie. It was written by Mary Cathcart Borer.

Plot

Mr. Ferber is an old man living in Pendragon Castle along with his two grandchildren Bobby and Paddy who find a small dragon to heat their castle. The dragon helps them to find hidden treasure in the castle.

Cast

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Produced for Mary Field's Children's Entertainment Films, this picture is one of several ... made with the laudable intention of providing children with entertainment of a different quality from the serial and the western. ... The production quality of the film is high, the photography being attractive, and the direction competent. The film, however, lacks the action and speed to be found in less worthy productions. It is doubtful whether children who enjoy the simple story will altogether appreciate the film's emphasis on character, as opposed to simple action. The dragon is, moreover, a trifle too obviously merely a man in a cardboard suit. The film, in fact, seems to suffer from being an adult conception of what children want, rather than a picture atising naturally out of the type of situation which appeals to children."
Picturegoer wrote: "It is a lively affair with ... some agreeable children's performances. I liked the particularly solemn little David Hannaford, the only one who could understand dragon language. Graham Moffatt is a good handyman. This should be a certain favourite with the children."