Whistle Down the Wind

Three Lancashire farm children find Arthur Blakey, a bearded man hiding in their barn. They mistake him for Jesus Christ due to their Sunday School stories and his shocked exclamation of 'Jesus Christ!' when discovered. The children become convinced of his divine identity, spreading the belief among their peers.

A group of ten children visit Blakey in the barn, bringing him gifts and kneeling as if before Jesus in a Bethlehem scene. They ask Blakey for a Bible story, but he reads from a newspaper, revealing a disconnect between their beliefs and his true identity. Adult visitors prompt the children to leave, forcing Blakey to hide.

Kathy Bostock and her friends express their love and commitment to protect Blakey from being discovered by the authorities. Kathy even gives him a folded Bible picture of Jesus, demonstrating their unwavering faith and desire to keep him safe.

In a playground, Jackie Greenwood is bullied for claiming he saw Jesus, and he eventually recants his statement as peer pressure mounts. Kathy insists she has seen Jesus too, but Raymond, a bully, slaps her face, highlighting the social tension and doubts within the community.

Blakey is initially confused about why the children want to protect him, especially since he does not correct their mistaken belief that he's Jesus. He becomes more accepting when he realizes their genuine love and devotion, despite the risks involved.

Blakey shows a callous attitude when he allows a kitten to die without remorse, causing some children to question his divine nature. The children debate why Jesus doesn't save everyone, with the vicar explaining that it's to prevent the world from becoming overcrowded.

Blakey sends Kathy to retrieve a concealed package, which she finds in a railway tunnel. Inside, she discovers a revolver, providing Blakey with a means of self-defense, indicating he is not truly divine but a wanted man.

During Charles Bostock's birthday celebration, his sister Nan mentions that a cake is 'for Jesus.' Charles corrects her, saying it's just for a man, which leads to the realization that Blakey is linked to the criminal activity. Authorities are summoned as a result.

The police arrive to apprehend Blakey, who is turned in by local villagers after they discover his true identity. Kathy tries to protect him and sneaks a pack of cigarettes to him through a barn hole, but she forgets matches, symbolizing her struggle to stay loyal.

Faced with the impending police raid, Blakey forgives Kathy and promises to see her again. He then throws his gun outside and willingly surrenders, standing arms outstretched in a pose reminiscent of the crucifixion before being frisked by the police.

Blakey is taken away by the authorities, with his silhouette evoking a crucifixion, underscoring the tragic sacrifice. After his departure, the children, especially Kathy, are left contemplating the meaning of faith and hope for his return.

As the crowd disperses, two young children approach Kathy, eager to see Jesus. She reassures them that they missed him this time, but promises he will return someday, symbolizing enduring faith and the power of innocent belief.