The difficulties and peculiarities of the relationship between a father and a son is examined in The Spanish Gardener, a sentimental and rather preachy film that nevertheless has genuine heart and warmth. Indeed, at times Gardener is so affecting that one wishes director Philip Leacock and his scenarists were able to avoid the slide into mushiness that happens on a few too many occasions in the film. Part of the problem is that the characters too often have to act as mouthpieces for the moral and lessons of the film; despite the fact that the title character is often portrayed as complex, he is still called upon to deliver some speeches which, while they contain truths, come across as a bit artificial and at time simplistic. And the character of the father is not given proper fleshing out until too late. Still, despite these flaws, there are some very powerful moments, and the relationship between the gardener and the boy is quite affecting. Dirk Bogarde is clearly not Spanish, but his performance is so winning that few are likely to complain, and Jon Whiteley is exceptional as the child. Michael Hordern impresses as the self-centered father. The on-location lensing is exquisite.