John Thaw stars as Tom Oakley in the award-winning family drama Goodnight Mister Tom. The DVD is based on the novel by Michelle Magorian and explores the life-long bond which develops between its two lead characters--an illiterate 10 year-old orphan from London (Willie), and a grumpy, cynical old widow who lives alone in the English countryside (Tom). After Willie is forced to seek refuge at Tom?s house in anticipation of the WWII German bombings of London, the story follows the trials and tribulations of the enduring relationship which eventually forms between them. The 101-minute DVD is in DVD 5 format and also features biographies. Synopsis Set in a small English town at the start of WWII, Goodnight Mister Tom is based on Michelle Magorian's novel about a cantankerous WWI veteran named Tom Oakley (John Thaw), who, against his will, is paired with a London orphan named Willie Beech. The story is based around the relationship which develops between Tom and Willie, who is sent to him after the children of London were evacuated in preparation for the expected German bombings. After initially receiving a cold and hostile reception from Tom, Willie--an illiterate, shy child who has endured a horrific childhood--soon brings out his caring paternal side, which had sadly disappeared many years earlier. The enduring bond and friendship that the two characters share will change both of their lives forever.