Swallows and Amazons (1974 film) been made available on video, both in VHS and DVD, in the UK, but is not readily available in the US and elsewhere. Swallows and Amazons (1974 film) Swallows and Amazons is a 1974 British film adaption of the 1930 novel of the same name by Arthur Ransome. The film, which was directed by Claude Whatham and produced by Richard Pilbrow, starred Virginia McKenna and Ronald Fraser, and a young Zanna Hamilton. Its budget was provided by Nat Cohen of EMI Films who had funded the successful 1970 film "The Railway Children". During the school holidays, the Walker children (John,
Swallows and Amazons books, including those already published, and Webb's drawings were replaced in later editions. The book relates the outdoor adventures and play of two families of children. These involve sailing, camping, fishing, exploration and piracy. The Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger) are staying at a farm near a lake in the Lake District of England, during the school holidays. They sail a borrowed dinghy named "Swallow" and meet the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy), who sail a dinghy named "Amazon". The Walkers camp on an island in the lake while the Blacketts live in their house nearby. When the