this be arguably john thaw fine performance where he successfully shake off any trait of his inspector morse character and bring a perfect adaptation of tom from the page of the book to the tv screen . this be a well make production which maintain it family view vibe despite some very mature theme like the outbreak of the second world war and the physical abuse suffer by the child . however it be the relationship between tom and young willie that be the heart and soul of this story . it be touch and beautiful to see this bond between the young boy evacuate from london and the grumpy old man he be leave with develop a real grandfather or grandson connection . it be a pity that this story wasn not make with a big budget with a more established director a it belong on the big screen and not show once or twice every ten year on a sunday afternoon . give the right guidance and john thaw would be celebrate the world over and bestow with many award for his brilliant performance in this movie . a great actor and a great role that should have be honor more than it be at the time .