The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane [DVD]

A question you tangle with often as a fan of unusual and controversial movies is “Why should anyone watch this?”This comes up especially with exploitation films – movies which by their nature are provocative and cross lines in an attempt to sell more tickets. To me, it’s the fact that these films often show stomach-turning realistic stories that other movies don’t dare put on screen and reveal some unique and interesting performances from their cast. A perfect example of this is seen in the little-known thriller that gave Jodie Foster one of her first lead roles, The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976). If you’ve heard of this Canadian/French thriller at all, it’s likely for the controversy surrounding it, and it’s only fair to include that alongside any recommendations. Foster has mostly disowned the film due to a short and gratuitous nude scene that she felt pushed the exploitation too far. Foster, in her early teens at the time, was very obviously doubled by her much older sister which makes the nudity even more jarring and inconsistent within the otherwise grounded story. The scene though, unusual nudity aside, is one of the many aspects of a film that manages to use its exploitation status to explore themes of teenage sexuality, children’s rights and small town corruption in ways many mainstream films would be afraid to tackle. All these come together to give Foster a role that stretches her acting chops even further than Taxi Driver did in the same year. In the film Jodie Foster plays Rynn Jacobs, a young teen in small town Maine who finds herself beset upon by nosy neighbors seeking to upend her bohemian lifestyle as they become curious about her absent poet father. The worst of these interlopers comes in the form of Frank Hallet, played by a wonderfully repellent Martin Sheen, a known pedophile with powerful parents in town who begins to use Rynn’s father’s absence to menace her. The film’s plot is based heavily on a mystery, so to reveal too much more would spoil things. I’ll just say that there’s terror, stage magic, and a reason why Rynn seems so mature beyond her years.Both Martin Sheen and Jodie Foster had yet to have their career-defining roles, but both get a chance to flex their acting abilities tremendously in the film. Rynn is almost a polar opposite to Iris, the ingenue role in Taxi Driver which earned Foster her first Oscar nomination. Rynn is cold, determined and absolutely capable of taking care of herself. It takes other characters, even those on her side, a while to even begin to break her walls down. In Rynn, we see a surprising amount of the techniques and pathos Jodie Foster would use in her adult roles - aspects that are mostly absent from her films until the 80s. Her grounding of the character allows the film to explore many dark sides of childhood, and real danger children of the 70s faced, all while keeping the plotlines feeling uncomfortably close to home. Scott Jacoby (of Bad Ronald) is also terrific.Martin Sheen, mostly known at the time for his work in Terrence Malick’s Badlands, gets one of his first cracks at a truly slimy and terrifying villain. Martin Sheen had seen some of Foster’s work and was eager to act alongside her, and the film’s tension works partially because Sheen holds nothing back, treating his teenage co-star as an equal and pushing their conflict to its limits. The game of cat-and-mouse amongst its main characters becomes all the more thrilling when you can’t tell who is the cat and who is the mouse. Unlike traditional horror movies, exploitation thrillers toe the line of acceptability in terms of themes to mine for terror. The content warning for The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane is a mile long, ranging from the controversial nudity to unexpected things like simulated animal abuse but, if you’re willing to get your hands a little dirty, it’s a rewarding experience. The tackling of controversial and unusual subjects sometimes leads to groundbreaking performances and a fascinating showcase for some of Hollywood’s biggest actors before they were famous. Though this Blu-ray (like MGM’s previous 2005 DVD) is the 92-minute version that AIP released here theatrically in 1977, a longer Canadian version is reported to exist. Though rated PG, it’s pretty shocking to see Foster’s older sister Connie standing in for her to do a brief nude scene for a character that supposed to be so young, and it’s surprising that this, along with Jacoby hollering the “F” word didn’t push the film to an R rating back then, even though the ratings system was far more liberal at the time.Kino Lorber now presents MGM’s HD master of the film on Blu-ray, and it’s a welcome upgrade of their 2005 DVD release. Presented in 1080p in the proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the original vault materials must have been in great condition because the transfer looks flawless, with rich detail. There's no damage or dirt to be seen here, and the colors are bold, with well-defined skin tones, fine grain structure and excellent contrast. The English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track is also in great shape, with clear dialogue and the irresistible, very 1970s score by Christian Gaubert also sounding off nicely. There are no subtitle options on the Blu-ray.Director Nicolas Gessner (the Sharon Tate vehicle, The 13 Chairs, and the Anthony Perkins/Charles Bronson thriller, Someone Behind The Door) givex an excellent, well-rounded audio commentary, which starts with him apologizing for his French accent (he’s actually perfectly understandable). Gessner mentions how he was so pleased to be able to option the project (which was also optioned by famed producer Sam Spiegel), and describes it as not a horror film but a “teenage love story”. He goes on to delve deeply into the characters, the story’s “hide and seek” games, his approach to directing and getting the best out of an actor’s talent, the casting, finding the locations, the difficulties of it being a French-Canadian production, and the mood he was trying to create with his cinematic vision. He details the on-screen death of “Gordon” the hamster (he wasn’t harmed and actually adopted by a crew member, as dead hospital hamsters were substituted for his demise) and he also tells some great stories about some of the other movies he’s directed (including a killer anecdote about his lunch with Rod Steiger before a film shoot).“Back Down the Lane: Martin Sheen on The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane” (27:27) has the actor sitting down and enthusiastically discussing his getting the role and how he thought it was an interesting part. He calls his director playful and encouraging and that he had a clear image of what he wanted to do, and that he made the project fun (he thought he did a “masterful” job with the film). Sheen recalls that the chance to work with Foster was the biggest attraction for him, and that he didn’t have reservations about his devious character since nothing was overt. In between his recollections of his character, he speaks fondly of his other co-stars (Smith, Jacoby and Shuman) and relates that shooting in Montreal was very cold (which was the only negative thing he has to say about the shoot). Sheen also describes the hamster-killing scene, assuring us that they used dead, possibly stuffed specimens for the scene. “Martin Sheen talks with Nicolas Gessner via Skype” (5:33) is exactly that and it’s very nice to witness the friendly reunion though modern technology. The original trailer is also included, and the cover sleeve is reversible (featuring the AIP ad art on the opposite side).

Jodie Foster, was a better child actor than adult actor in my opinion. This film had one major flaw, her growing up and coming from England, she should have a British accent. The 70s music in this film was cheesy and they would have better off using the Classic music all the way through. This is, I believe when Hollyweird started to exploit children in movies, and IMO it is sick. I am really shocked at the positive revues, with all of the hoopla going on around the country about filth and blood and guns. It seems Hollyweird can not make a movie without these qualities. Sad.

The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane is a really good film, I enjoyed it except for one bit. Jodie Foster was young when she starred in this film (as Rynn) and she portrays a 13 year old girl. Yet, she gets a nude scene? Mind you, it's been well over 2 decades since I've seen this film so watching it now with fresh eyes in 2021 was a shocker.When Rynn started taking her clothes off in that one scene 3/4 through the film a sense of impending dread came over me. I was thinking "Is my memory fading? I don't remember this. She's not going to get naked on camera is she?" When her shirt came off, obviously not wearing a bra at 13 I was thinking, "not good but at least her back is turned but dude, this is SO, NOT, GOOD." But when Rynn took her pants off and we see raw cheeks and then she gets into bed with her boyfriend Mario and we see breasts, my heart sank. Upon further investigation I learned Jodie Foster apparently had issues with this (thank goodness) and a body double was used, so in actuality Jodie Foster didn't get naked but the fact that the director/producer had no problem with a 13 year old girl getting naked and getting laid/implying that she got laid in a scene that wasn't necessary in telling the story, is suspect to say the least. Jeez man, sometimes, filmmakers can be real jerks when making their films. The world is certainly not lacking in pedophiles, molesters and rapists. Why fuel that fire, exploiting a young girl. The 70's man...I just don't know about that era sometimes. The 2000s is a cesspool of stupidity but wow, when is the human race going to learn?Martin Sheen did an excellent job playing the pervy, child rapist. He was a total creep show in this film which is why the ending should come as no surprise but Ryann is going to need some serious therapy no matter how you slice it.I have to agree with other reviewers here, Jodie Foster seems to be a better actress in her younger years because I can't think of one stand out performance from her adult years with the exception of Silence of the Lambs.3* because that nude scene should have never happened.

Both figuratively and literally. I'm not a big fan of 1970s cinema, but wWhat a great performance from such a young, fantastic actress in Jodie Foster. Between this film and Taxi Driver, you could tell she was a star in the making. Martin Sheen puts in a creepy, solid performance as well. Although somewhat predictable, the story has some surprises and moves at a good pace. It's worth the watch, especially on Prime Video where you won't have to pay anything extra to watch it.

Everything about the Blu-ray version was fantastic except for one thing, which is a minor gripe, though honestly it really did my head in. I've really loved this movie since the first time I viewed it, and watched it repeatedly because I enjoy it, so much so that I have the film memorized. Towards the ending of the film, I noticed they replaced the orchestra version of Beethoven with a silly piano solo version instead. It really weakened the final moments of the film, as opposed to an enormous build-up, which is sad because the music also lends its hand to the feel of the film, which is why I give this only 4 stars in place of 5. I don't like the classics tampered with in subtle (much like the heavy editing of Picnic at Hanging Rock) ways.

In 1976 I was 8 years old and at the stage when I was noticing girls but not wanting to admit it - most boys go through that strange and beguiling feeling. I started fancying not just girls at school but ones I saw on tv, films and female pop singers. In 1976 I started having a crush on Jodie Foster after seeing her play Tallulah in "Bugsy Malone." Me and Jodie - an older woman!! Enough of that...1976 saw Ms Foster in the best film of the '70s, "Taxi Driver", the aforestated "Bugsy Malone", and here, in the underated "The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane." All very different and iconically powerful performances. The range of her acting at the age of just 14 was remarkable.In "The Little Girl..." I remember seeing bits of the film on tv when I was young, but only recently bought the dvd and watched the film from beginning to end. I love the understated feel of the filming of what has become 70's cinematic nostalgia; the scenery of small town america, the 'fall' landscape, the cars, fashions... even the electronic soundtrack, it takes me back. However, I was genuinely shocked when Jodie appeared naked, (actually, it was Jodies older sister who stripped for that scene), and got into bed with an older male - I wasn't prepared for that matter-of-fact scene.The film is well scripted, acted and shot - some nice outdoor scenes in a place somewhere that I'd like to live. I haven't gone into the plot of the film as I would be just repeating earlier reviews. Suffice to add that Jodie gives another iconic and memorable performance that belied her young years. Outstanding.

This has to be one of the best films that relies on the story and very skilful scenes of which Jodie Foster delivers 100% in every one. From the opening scenes right through to the end the movie it gives the viewer a horror/suspense filled movie with remarkably little violence and next to no blood or gore. A great performance from a young Foster who also starred in the well known movie "Taxi Driver" featuring Foster and De Nero in an early movie of his. Still, "The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane" hits all the right spots, love it or hate it, it's still one of the best movies of our time..........

Cor, what a tense movie. I love Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen in this brilliant old film. The characters are so real. Martin Sheen is a really nasty bully of a perv/paedophile and his mother very overbearing and persistent. You can see why her son is so horrible. He preys on young girls and Jodie Foster is fair game. She certainly has her work cut out fending off unwanted visitors until she meets a lovely guy (Scott Jacoby) who becomes her ally.If you've never seen this film, then you're in for a treat. Jodie Foster is still a very young actress, but shows she is a complete pro. The script is uncomplicated and the theme easy on the little grey cells, but you won't be able to stop watching until the end. I like the fact that the camera is left running for the final shot, just capturing her face...devoid of emotion.

This film is proof that Jodie Foster is probably one of the best actors ever. At just 13 in this film she holds your attention for the whole 90 minutes. The fact that it was made 40 years ago is irrelevant. The fact it is a low budget film is irrelevant. That it's set almost entirely in just one room is irrelevant. This about a performance - and her performance is just brilliant.

IF JODIE FOSTER IS ONLY 14 YEARS OLD WHEN SHE DELIVER A CHARACTER LIKE THIS, IT`S TIME TO REALLY TAKE ACLOSER LOOK AT HER LATER FILMS. THIS DVD IS WELL WORTH HAVING, CAUSE THIS IS ONE OF THOSE FILMS YOUWILL WANT TO WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN AS YEARS GO BY.