Then the characters and their relationship change. Prudishness and religious narrow-mindedness give way to curiosity and a desire for adventure. By the end, Ravinus is radiant. As Raleigh, Adrian Messenger has much more to work with. Hutton gives Raleigh an interesting combination of sophistication and naivete, pride and humility, humor and sadness.
Messenger covers the whole territory.
He gives his portrayal enough irony to explain how this kid carries on despite heavy social, economic, emotional and physical impediments. Director Meghann Brock creates a mood of quiet excitement that dramatizes not-necessarily dramatic quirks and surprises. It's all very intimate and small-scale.