by Mark Murton

Directed by: Diarmuid Lawrence

Synopsis: In this made for TV movie based on a Thomas Hardy short story and set in Dorset in the late 1800s, two boys decide to divert an underground river causing problems for everyone in the villages of East and West Poley, who want the water for themselves.

Cat Cattle Call: As young Leonard (Charlie Condou) arrives in the village of West Poley at the start of the film he passes an open entrance to a property where an old woman (Diana King) is feeding a group of cats.

In a scene near the end of the film (although clearly filmed at the same time) a huge explosion rocks the village and sends the cats scattering, except for one who seems reluctant to leave the food.

Final Mewsings: Cats don’t appreciate mischievous boys or explosions.

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