I saw the preview of Narnia in a theatre last week--it certainly looks to be a visual treat, althrough the beginning was a bit jarring. In the books, the professor was no sort of grumpy tyrant would wouldn't let children play--Mrs. McReady was not a Wicked Stepmother.
In the books, the professor was no sort of grumpy tyrant would wouldn't let children play--Mrs. McReady was not a Wicked Stepmother.
how long has it been since you read the books?
Mrs. Macready was not fond of children, and did not like to be interrupted when she was telling visitors all the things she knew. She had said to Susan and Peter almost on the first morning (along with a good many other instructions) "And please remember you're to keep out of the way whenever I'm taking a party over the house."
Add to that an obviously Scotch Presbyterian (and probably Wee Free) name, and I think the preview is a fair extrapolation. And as for the Professor, their first impression of him was that Lucy was a little afraid of him (and Edmund kept wanting to laugh and had to keep pretending he was blowing his nose.) Again, a fair extrapolation I think. It should work well with his later discussion with Susan and Peter about whether Lucy is mad . . .