Watch Little Boy Lost

Little Boy Lost is a 1978 Australian drama film directed by Terry Bourke. The movie stars John Hargreaves, Tony Barry, and Lorna Lesley in prominent roles. The film tells the story of a man named Tom (played by Hargreaves) who is accused of killing his wife and three children. Although he is innocent of the crime, Tom is sent to jail, and his young son Jamie is left to grow up without him. The movie is a heart-wrenching portrayal of a father's desperate struggle to reunite with his son.

The film opens with Tom living a normal, happy life with his wife and children. One night, while he is away on a business trip, his house catches fire, and his family is killed. The police suspect Tom of arson and murder, and although he pleads his innocence, he is sent to prison. As Tom languishes in jail, his son Jamie is taken in by his aunt and uncle (played by Barry and Lesley). Although they try to provide a stable home for the boy, Jamie is haunted by the loss of his father and the trauma of his family's death.

As the years go by, Tom and Jamie are separated by distance and circumstance. Tom is eventually released from jail, but he is forbidden to see his son or learn his whereabouts. Meanwhile, Jamie grows into a troubled and rebellious teenager, struggling with his identity and his feelings of abandonment. He becomes involved with a street gang and gets into trouble with the law.

Throughout the film, we see Tom's efforts to clear his name and reunite with Jamie. He hires a private detective to track down his son, but the search is unsuccessful. He writes letters to Jamie, but they are intercepted and never delivered. He tries to visit Jamie at school, but he is turned away by his aunt and uncle. Despite the obstacles, Tom never gives up hope that he will one day be reunited with his son.

Little Boy Lost is a powerful and emotional film that explores themes of loss, grief, and redemption. The performances by the lead actors are excellent, especially John Hargreaves as the tormented father. The movie also has a strong sense of time and place, capturing the mood and atmosphere of Australia in the late 1970s. The soundtrack features a mix of popular songs from the era, adding to the film's nostalgic appeal.

One of the strengths of the film is its uncompromising portrayal of the legal system and its flaws. Tom is wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit, and his fate is sealed by a rush to judgment and circumstantial evidence. The movie also highlights the impact of the justice system on the families of the accused, who are often left to suffer in silence.

In addition, the film explores the complexities of the parent-child relationship and the bonds that unite families. Tom's love for his son is never in doubt, even as he is separated from him for years. Likewise, Jamie's longing for his father is palpable, even as he tries to fill the void in his life with other things.

Overall, Little Boy Lost is a moving and poignant film that showcases the talents of its cast and director. Its message of hope, perseverance, and love in the face of tragedy resonates with audiences to this day.