The words of film director 'Carol Reed' as adapted from vintage material originally available at the time of the movies release...

'I enjoy working with children. Of course it can be tedious, but it can also be exhilarating. The trick is to try to start off every scene with the child. That way the little boy gets his lines over first, and the adult actors in the scene relax knowing that the boy isn't going to spoil the scene for them. Another trick is to do a child's scene over as many times as you need to without pausing between takes. I just keep the camera running and gently tell the child that he's doing fine, but just do it once more.

It is very important to that children do not get nervous, they must think of filming as a game. Therefore you must never let them see that you are worried or that tension is gathering. It is also important for your relationship with the child to be exactly right, not too friendly because he will take advantage of you, but not too formal because in that case he will be afraid of you. No, it's not easy directing children, but when it works out it's a film director's most gratifying moment.'

Carol Reed Film Director (1906-1976)

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