Okay, fellow tape travellers, let's dust off a slightly different kind of sequel today. Remember the sheer cinematic force that was Annie in 1982? The Depression-era optimism, the belting songs, Aileen Quinn's undeniable star power? Well, thirteen years later, just as the original's glow was settling into warm nostalgia, network television decided we needed another dose of our favorite optimistic orphan. Enter Annie: A Royal Adventure! (1995), a made-for-TV follow-up that landed straight onto our CRT screens, skipping theaters entirely but perhaps finding a cozy spot in many a VCR during the mid-90s.
Leapin' Lizards! We're Off to London!
Instead of picking up right where the first film left off, this adventure jumps ahead slightly. Annie, now comfortably ensconced as the adopted daughter of billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks, is preparing for a trip across the pond. Warbucks is heading to London to be knighted by the King (yes, really!), and he's bringing Annie and her brainy pal Hannah along for the ride. Also joining the entourage are Dr. Eli Eon, an eccentric scientist working on a new wonder fuel, and the ever-loyal Punjab and Asp. Of course, this wouldn't be an Annie story without some nefarious plotting. Enter Lady Edwina Hogbottom, played with deliciously campy villainy by the legendary Joan Collins (Dynasty). Lady Hogbottom, aided by her bumbling brother Rupert, has designs on Buckingham Palace itself and sees Annie as an inconvenient obstacle.
Directed by Ian Toynton, a prolific TV director with credits like Miami Vice and Magnum, P.I. under his belt, the film trades the gritty streets of New York for the slightly foggy, postcard version of London. Written by Trish Soodik (who penned several TV movies), the plot feels distinctly like, well, a 90s TV movie – slightly less grand, perhaps a bit more episodic than its predecessor, but brimming with a certain earnest charm.
A New Annie, A Familiar Warbucks, and Pure Dynasty
The most immediate difference, of course, is Annie herself. Stepping into the iconic red dress is Ashley Johnson, who many would later recognize from Growing Pains, What Women Want, and much more recently, her acclaimed voice work in The Last of Us video game series. Johnson brings a different energy than Aileen Quinn – perhaps a bit more grounded, less overtly theatrical, but still capturing Annie's essential pluck and goodness. It's a capable performance that anchors the film, even if it lacks the showstopping musical numbers of the original (this isn't a full-blown musical, leaning more into adventure with occasional songs).
Crucially, George Hearn reprises his role as Daddy Warbucks. Hearn, a distinguished stage actor who actually won a Tony for playing Warbucks in the Broadway sequel Annie Warbucks (confusing, I know!), brings a welcome continuity and gravitas. His chemistry with Johnson feels warm and genuine, providing the emotional core. But let's be honest, a huge draw here is Joan Collins. Chewing the scenery with magnificent aplomb, she's clearly having a blast as the cartoonishly evil Lady Hogbottom. It’s the kind of performance that elevates a modest TV movie into something genuinely entertaining, a wink to her iconic Alexis Carrington persona delivered with pantomime flair.
Made-for-TV Charm and Retro Fun Facts
You can definitely feel the TV movie budget here. The scale isn't quite as epic as the 1982 film directed by John Huston. Sets feel a little more contained, the action sequences more modest. Yet, there’s an undeniable charm to it. It evokes that specific feeling of settling in for a Sunday night movie premiere on network TV, maybe with a bowl of popcorn. The lack of big, original Annie songs might disappoint some, but it allows the film to focus on its adventure plot – kidnappings, secret formulas, chases through London landmarks, and even a climax involving Big Ben.
- Broadcast Origins: This wasn't just any TV movie; it premiered as part of "The Wonderful World of Disney" programming block on ABC in the US, aiming squarely at a family audience.
- The Other Sequel: Its existence often surprises people, especially given the stage sequel Annie Warbucks also existed. This TV movie charts its own course, borrowing characters but crafting a new story.
- Location, Location?: While set in London, much of the filming reportedly took place in Prague, Czech Republic – a common cost-saving measure for productions seeking European backdrops. Keep an eye out; some locations might look distinctly more Central European than London!
- Ashley Johnson's Path: Seeing Ashley Johnson here, so young and earnest, is a fascinating look back before her career took her into more mature roles and celebrated voice acting. It’s a snapshot of a versatile talent early on.
Tomorrow May Be Yesterday, But It's Still Fun
Annie: A Royal Adventure! isn't trying to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original musical film. It’s a different beast – a lighter, breezier family adventure caper tailor-made for television viewing. It doesn't have the enduring songs or the cultural impact of its predecessor, lacking the grit and the soaring hope that defined the 1982 classic. The plot is fairly predictable, and the stakes never feel too high.
However, viewed through the lens of 90s TV nostalgia, it's a perfectly pleasant way to spend 90 minutes. Ashley Johnson is endearing, George Hearn provides solid grounding, and Joan Collins is simply fabulous. It's the kind of film you might have happily rented from Blockbuster for a weekend viewing, a straightforward adventure with familiar faces and a guaranteed happy ending. It’s comfort food cinema from the era.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Why this score? It gets points for its earnest charm, the delight of seeing George Hearn return, and Joan Collins's fabulously villainous turn. Ashley Johnson holds her own admirably. However, it loses points for its predictable plot, TV movie production constraints, and the lack of memorable music compared to the original. It's enjoyable for what it is – a harmless, nostalgic family adventure – but doesn't quite reach the heights needed for a higher score. It fulfills its modest ambitions competently.
Ultimately, Annie: A Royal Adventure! is a curious but sweet little footnote in the Annie legacy. It might not be essential viewing, but if you stumble across it or have fond memories of catching it on TV back in the day, it's a warm, fuzzy trip back to a simpler time in television movies. Leapin' Lizards, indeed!