The Velveteen Rabbit: Interview with Michael Landon Jr.

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Somewhere on your bookshelf, I bet you have a tattered copy of the children’s classic, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery Williams. The story is beloved by children and their parents. And let’s face it, most of us want the tale told as it was written – we don’t abide messing around with the original.

In the case of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” I encourage you to make an exception. Bring the family in for movie night, pop some popcorn and revisit the lesson in a whole new way.

I spoke with director Michael Landon, Jr. about the film and the C.S. Lewis-style parable so expertly woven into this timeless story.

“One of the things I didn’t want to do was try and recreate the allegory that Margery Williams did so perfectly,” he said. “It really is ‘inspired by’ and not ‘based upon.’ The basic story premise is the idea that this little boy isn’t loved in the real world.”

Toby, a boy whose caregivers – first, his father and then his grandmother – are cold and distant, discovers an attic filled with forgotten toys, including a rabbit, which show him that love can make us real.

The movie seamlessly integrates live action and animation to tell the story and bridge the worlds of the real and the imagined. The real world is visually inviting, with great period detail, but it’s Landon’s passion for the message that comes through most vividly.

“The target audience is little ones, but I was hoping it would be compelling enough for parents, grandparents and even teens – that they would find it compelling,” he said.

And for parents who want well made movies that reinforce their beliefs, Landon encourages them to go beyond adding this movie to their collection.

“Just as much as (buying this DVD), that would be not supporting films that go against their value system,” Landon said.

As the parent of teens, Landon faces the same challenges as other parents, including guiding his children to entertainment that reinforces what they are taught at home, while, as he said, “without being so rigid that they become rebellious.”

“You’ve got to draw a line in the sand and be a parent as well,” he said.

The choices made by parents can influence the movie industry, causing filmmakers to create more family-friendly entertainment.

“When they aren’t getting the numbers they are hoping for, they have to shift their thinking,” he said.

For those watching “The Velveteen Rabbit,” Landon hopes the message has meaning.

“I hope they are not only entertained, but it inspires them to love a little more,” he said.

The Velveteen Rabbit, produced by Feature Films for Families and distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment, Family 1 Films and Thomas Nelson, is available on DVD. An excellent discussion guide is available for download at www.thevelveteenrabbitmovie.com.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com