Run Rebecca, Run is a 1982 Australian film directed by Peter Maxwell and starring Simone Buchanan, Henri Szeps, and Adam Garnett.
Contents
Premise
The screenplay concerns a child kidnapped by a refugee.
Cast
Simone Buchanan as Rebecca
Henri Szeps as Manuel Cortez
Adam Garnett as Rod
John Ewart as Minister for Immigration
Ron Haddrick as Speaker of Parliament
John Stanton as Bob Porter
Mary Ann Severne as Jean Porter
Peter Sumner as Mr Dimitros
Production
It was shot in Sydney. It was one of a series of children's dramas produced by Independent Productions.
Release
Run Rebecca, Run, like others produced by Independent Productions sold better overseas than in Australia and had been available on video for over two years before making it to television in December 1984. Earlier that year it had a special holiday season run in Melbourne cinemas in May.
Reception
Jill Morris of The Age said "'Run Rebecca Run' is an outstandingly honest film, built around the inadvertent kidnapping of a young girl who is held hostage on an island while her paperboy pal competes with official rescuers
in a determined search." When it showed on TV she wrote "The feast of fine children's drama which begins on ABC TV on Sunday night with Run Rebecca Run includes some quality dramas which have been a long time coming. The show (7.30 pm Sunday on Channel 2) has been given top billing with good reason." The Sun-Herald's Jacqueline Lee Lewes notes "Right up to the last scene the makers of Run Rebecca Run play it straight, keeping the story as an easy-to-watch adventure dram which avoids stereo-types and cliches. There's a message there about justice, tolerance and understanding but it is subtly conveyed." The Canberra Times says "It's stirring stuff set against the delightful backdrop of Pittwater, just north of Sydney. There are lots of shots of police helicopters and seaplanes for the technically minded and of course, in true Enid Blyton tradition, it's the kids that solve the mystery and save the day. I'd recommend the film for children aged five to 13."
Run Rebecca, Run won the Ruby Slipper Award for the Best Feature Length Film at the 12th International Children's Film Festival."