Franklin and the Turtle Lake Treasure
| Company type | Animated film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Film |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Products | Animated children's adventure drama film |
Franklin and the Turtle Lake Treasure (known as Franklin et le trésor du lac in France and Benjamin et le Trésor du lac in Canadian French) is an animated children's adventure drama film derived from the Franklin television series. It represents the inaugural Franklin movie to be released theatrically in both Canada and France, as well as the final production in the franchise to utilize traditional animation techniques. The screenplay was crafted by John van Bruggen and the direction was led by Dominique Monféry. This installment expands on previous adventures such as Franklin and the Green Knight, presenting a more extensive storyline. With a duration of 85 minutes, it stands as the lengthiest film within the series.
The narrative centers on Franklin and his companions Bear, Beaver, and Snail embarking on a mission to locate a talisman believed to have healing powers for Franklin’s ailing grandmother. They are joined by Aunt Lucy, an archaeologist, and her goddaughter Samantha, whose contrasting temperament to Franklin’s adds dynamic tension.
Initially released on home video on September 6, 2006, the film later aired in the United States on HBO and subsequently on the Nick Jr. Channel. Distribution was handled by Mars Distribution, with international sales overseen by StudioCanal. During development, it was known under working titles such as Franklin and the Secret Talisman and Franklin and Granny's Secret.
This feature marks the end of the 1997 Franklin television series, as no subsequent episodes were produced following its release. Additionally, it is notable for being Patricia Gage’s final role prior to her death in 2010.
Plot
The Turtle family convenes at Franklin’s grandmother’s residence to welcome Franklin’s paternal aunt Lucy, an archaeologist who arrives with her goddaughter Samantha (Sam). Initially, Franklin and Sam experience friction due to Sam’s playful yet boastful demeanor, emphasizing that she is a year older.
While exploring Lucy’s possessions, Franklin uncovers a hand-drawn map of Turtle Lake created by his grandmother. Granny recounts her childhood at Turtle Lake where she buried treasured items inside a painted tin box. Unfortunately, she never retrieved it after a forest fire destroyed her home and claimed her parents’ lives. She has not returned since that tragedy.
When Granny falls ill, the family believes recovering the box might aid her recovery. Under Lucy’s guidance, Franklin, Sam, and their friends Bear, Beaver, and Snail journey to Turtle Lake but initially come up empty-handed. They encounter a local turtle woman who displays a talisman resembling Granny’s and explains its psychic significance—likely why Granny wanted the box found.
The group then meets Little Crow, an orphaned bird who knows where the box lies but discovers it has already been unearthed. Little Crow abducts Snail to play with falcon chicks; however, Franklin and Sam overcome their differences to rescue her. The falcon mother ultimately releases Snail and adopts Little Crow, renewing hope among the friends.
Following advice that “the treasure lies beneath the rainbow,” they wait for rain at a mountain pass where they find a cave inhabited by Grizzly, a bear who had previously found the box but forgot its exact location. Eventually, they uncover the box beneath a crystal chandelier refracting sunlight into a rainbow. Grizzly assists them in crossing a river by canoe as they make their way home.
Back at Granny’s house, she receives the turtle talisman but shows no immediate improvement until viewing other items from the box, including a photograph of her family. This memento begins her recovery, prompting joyous celebration among her loved ones.
Later on, Lucy announces plans to remain in Woodland for an extended period. As a token of their shared experience, Franklin presents Sam with the Turtle Lake map before she bids him farewell with a kiss.
Cast
- Cameron Ansell voices Franklin
- Marc McMulkin portrays Bear
- Leah Cudmore lends her voice to Beaver
- Tajja Isen performs as Samantha and also provides the voice for a young Granny Turtle in flashback sequences
- Kristen Bone as Snail
- Doug Murray as Grizzly
- Corinne Conley as Granny Turtle
- Shauna Black as Aunt Lucy
- Hannah Endicott-Douglas plays Little Crow
- Elizabeth Saunders as Mrs. Turtle
- Richard Newman voices Mr. Turtle
- Bryn McAuley as Harriet
- Patricia Gage as the Old Turtle
- Mari Trainor as Dr. Bear
- Helen Taylor as Mrs. Falcon
- Isaac Pustil, Emma Pustil, and Joshua Isen provide voices for the Baby Chicks
Versions
The film Franklin and the Turtle Lake Treasure was distributed in both English and French, featuring different cover designs for each language edition. Its French title is Franklin et le trésor du lac. The movie debuted in theaters across Canada and France in 2006. In the United States, HBO Video issued the DVD on May 22, 2007; although it did not have a theatrical release there, it was assigned a G rating.
Reception
Earning $4.1 million at the box office within its theatrical territories, the movie received varied reviews. Anna Hart from Empire characterized it as an "unnecessary spin-off of a fairly lame children's animation."