Adapted from the historical novel by Edith Nesbit, this family-oriented comedy-drama concerns Richard Barnstable (Nicholas Farrell), an eccentric widower and father of five who is trying to perfect a new form of refrigeration. Barnstable's tinkering doesn't bring in much money and his children suddenly find themselves spearheading a campaign to save the family's home from creditors. Barnstable's brood receive some unexpected help from a noted explorer (James Wilby) and a sympathetic female doctor (Gina McKee). ~ Mark Deming, Rovi