Decent entertainment from 'The Wonderful World of Disney': this is a tale set during the waning days of the Civil War. Young Jamie McIver (Mitch Vogel, "The Reivers") has become the man of the household after his father (Charles Aidman, "Dirty Little Billy") went off to fight in the war. The first half has Jamie determined to bag a panther that has been terrorizing the community, the second half has the McIvers dealing with a truly despicable worm named Poss Timmerlake (Albert Salmi, "Escape from the Planet of the Apes"), an Army deserter / troublemaker, and his evil bushwhacker associates.
Basically a coming of age story, much of it focuses on Jamies' intent on becoming a man, and his enlightenment as well; he learns that Yankees really aren't such bad guys after all. This, after his mother (Pat Crowley, 'Please Don't Eat the Daisies') insists on showing kindness and compassion to a Yankee officer (Richard Anderson, 'The Six Million Dollar Man') who's half-crazed and in bad shape. Later, Anderson returns the favor, impressing Jamie, as he and his troops join Pa McIver and his associates in taking the fight to the bushwhackers.
Although nothing exceptional, this is easy enough to watch: well-acted, well-intentioned, appealing, and nicely shot. It helps that Salmi, a character actor always at his best when playing villains, is so convincing: you can't WAIT to see him get his. And Vogel is sufficiently likeable in the lead role.
Directed by Vincent McEveety, whose other Disney credits include "The Million Dollar Duck", "Gus", and two of the "Love Bug" movies.
Seven out of 10.
