“Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot” is a British television film that aired in 2015 on BBC One. It is based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, and stars Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman.
The film tells the story of retired bachelor Mr. Hoppy (played by Dustin Hoffman) who has a crush on his neighbor Mrs. Silver (played by Judi Dench). Mrs. Silver is a widow who owns a pet tortoise named Alfie, which she adores but wishes would grow faster. Mr. Hoppy concocts a plan to help Alfie grow by pretending to sell Mrs. Silver a special turtle food that he claims will make Alfie grow faster. However, the food is just regular food, and Mr. Hoppy relies on a trick involving a series of progressively larger tortoises to make it seem like Alfie is growing.
The film received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation of Dahl’s whimsical story and the charming performances of Hoffman and Dench. It was also noted for its beautiful production design and direction by Dearbhla Walsh.
Duration: 88 min.
