When Steve Knoves sat down and started to write the screen play of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” from the book by J K Rowling he did not know how it would turn out, but he need not have worried for he has created something that is pure magic and will be a delight to many a child. If you get the chance to see this film whether adult or child take it, for it is two and a half hours of sheer delight.

Much of the plot has been seen before in various guises in other fairy tales, but here it is blended together with new approaches and that makes this film what it is. Harry Potter reaches his eleventh birthday whilst living with his adopted family who are nasty to him, making him live under the stairs. Then the letters with the invitation from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry start to arrive and the adventures begin. Playing chess will not be the same again, but as for why, you will have to go and see this picture, for the spell is cast.

Harry is played by Daniel Radcliffe, his friend Ron Weasley by Rupert Grint and their girl friend Hermione Granger by Emma Watson, all three give just what is wanted to their parts which contribute to the whole feast of cinema. Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid, the enormous friendly giant gives a nice performance. Other well known actors make long or short appearances throughout the film, with Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape being particularly noticeable.

All this magic was brought about under the direction of Chris Columbus who was aided behind the scenes by John Williams the composer, John Seale Director of photography, Stuart Craig Production Designer, Judiana Makovsky Costume Designer and visual Effects Supervisor Rob Legato. What a team! Brilliant. Sheer magic. Do not miss this picture. 152 mins PG © BA

“Harry Potter” is in York from the 9th of November, 2001.