Johnny Tremain

In the 1700's, England had in it's possession perhaps the most lucrative colonies in the world, securely in its grasp. However, due to poor management and a royal arrogance, it instead created enough resentment to establish a growing uprising which led instead to The Revolutionary War. That is the setting which author Esther Forbes used to write her book. The Walt Disney film directed by Robert Stevenson, which used her book is called " Johnny Tremain. " The story follows the exploits of young silversmith apprentice Johnny Tremain (Hal Stalmaster) as he does his best to stay out of the approaching conflict, seek his mother's brother and keep to his trade. Unfortunately, events soon engulf him and his country, beginning in Boston with a rebellion over an imposed Tea Tax. Thereafter, the movie traces the growth of the Sons of Liberty and their efforts to secure their rights as Englishmen. Thrown in for good measure are the key figures of the Revolution including Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Adams, his cousin Quincy and James Otis (played by Jeff York). Key events like The Battle of Lexington, Concord Bridge and the "Shot Heard round the world" are added to coincide with American history. Although, his life is central to the story, it's added only for continuity to the War and it's place in history. Nevertheless, it's a good and wholesome movie and easy for students to learn of the important segments of our early country. Easily recommended for the entire family. ***

When I was 7 years old I was taken by my older brother to the local 'flea pit' to see a double feature, the main film was 'Bambi' and the supporting film was 'Johnny Tremain'. Being only an ankle biter at the time, the film I was looking forward to seeing was Bambi, I had never heard of Johnny Tremain and had no interest whatsoever in watching it, however, once the lights went down in the cinema and the film started, I found myself enchanted by what I was watching, being an English boy I knew little or nothing about the American War of Independence, I had never heard of the Boston Tea Party and had always presumed that Britain and America had always been on friendly terms, we were never taught about it at school, which is hardly surprising I guess, seeing as the Colonists took on the might of the British military and won! The story of Johnny Tremain was told in such a simple and enjoyable way, in a way that only Disney could tell a story, that even a 7 year old English kid could understand the plot and historical background. It is 52 years now since I saw the film but it made a such a lasting impression on me that I can still remember the words to the song (which admittedly being a very short song with few words, is probably not saying much). I would assume that to todays youngsters this film would prove to be dated and uninteresting, after all there is no sex,no bad language and the violence is sanitised, but it was made in a time when values were a lot different and Disney was the king of family movies. Times have changed, but for all the digital special effects and hype, I for one, reckon you can't beat a good old fashioned movie telling its story in an uncomplicated way, standing or falling on plot, direction and good acting.

Disney makes another book-movie in 1957 with "Johnny Tremain," based on Esther Forbes' award-winning novel of the same name. It is about a boy named Johnny Tremain, who worked as an apprentice until his hand touched hot molten silver. Now he had to find a new job, until he decided to go into battle. This had taken place in Boston back during such wonderful events in history like the Boston Tea Party and the invasion of the British (One if by land, Two if by sea).

I have read this book in Calvert School back in 7th grade, I believe. It was such a wonderful book; my mom even enjoyed it, too. Our library had a classroom version of this movie on DVD (although a regular version can also be purchased), and we had just checked that movie out and we enjoyed it so.

"Johnny Tremain" is real good Disney, indeed: a great book made into a great movie portraying terrific American history.

Ten stars.

The true story of the gallant American patriots that took part in the American Revolution . The film being dedicated to the youth of the world. Set in 1773 Boston when the valiant patriots participated in the Boston Tea Party, this deed signed the initiation of American war of independence . Based correctly on historical events with inclusion of various known happenings, as the notorious feat carried out by Paul Revere .Well recreated the beginning hostilities in April 19, 1775, skirmishes among the British troops and the colonial militia in Lexington and Concord. The first battle of the American war was in Lexington , Northwest of Boston .Anticipating a rebellion , general Thomas Gage sent 800 troops to seize stores at Concord and arrest John Hancock and John Adams , two prominent American rebels. An advance party encountered a party of about 50 minutemen , American rebel militia , on Lexington . They refused to disperse when ordered to do so, and then Brits to open fire . 8 Minutemen were killed and the remainder retired . Fervent patriots against redcoats were led by Salomón Chandler .The British party turned back for Concord and was later ambushed , it was only saved by reinforcements sent out from Concord . The total losses in two actions were 73 British troops killed and 174 wounded , 49 Americans killed and 39 wounded . While Johnny Tremain , Hal Stalsmaster , is drawn into the war . Along the way , he falls for a beautiful girl , Luana Patten , befriends a Revolutionary young , Richard Beymer , and learns about life, being caught up in the dangerous events of the revolution . As he joins the Sons of Liberty, a group of colonists who get together secretly and scheme their strategies against the tyrannical British rule.

The picture is a good adaptation upon the notorious historic events, being colorfully shot with great cinematograpy by Charles Boyle and rousing musical score by George Bruns . Directed with tenderness and carefully cast and appealing to history aficionados and sentimental susceptibilities . In the movie appears several historical characters as Samuel Adams , Paul Revere, Otis , Josiah Quincy, Joseph Warren , all of them played by notorious actors. The motion picture was well directed by Robert Stevenson . He was a fine craftsman from Walt Disney studio who made several movies and hits , such as Mary Poppins, The darn cat , Monkey's uncle , Gnome Mobile , BlackBeard ghost, The love bug , My dog the thief , The Island at the top of the world, Our Dinosaurio is missing , The shaggy DA, In search of castaways, Herbie rides again , Old Yeller, Kidnapped, Darby O'Gill, Bednobs and broomsticks, among others. The flick will appeal to American history buffs.

I've loved this book since I was a boy, and still think it's a wonderful way to get children reading about the birth of our nation. The movie does a good job of keeping the important historical facts front and center. Unfortunately, much of the book's richness, and darker shades, are cut away to make this more of a film for the entire family, five year olds included. As is often the case, entire characters are omitted in the interest of time and simplicity. On its own terms, though, a fine film and worth seeing.