One Little Indian

The plot is a little predictable, or maybe I remembered it from 'way back when. As a James Garner fan, it's a sure bet that I've seen this before, but can't remember when. The timing and pace were superb; I was entertained without thinking about time passing. It's a little sentimental for today's tastes. Acting was flawless by the entire cast; every character was believable. The music was unpretentious, and unfortunately, unmemorable, but then it also doesn't date itself, either. At the end, I didn't have the feeling that this is an all time classic, but it did manage to jerk that little tear out of my eyeball. The only major flaw was the poor use of obvious studio shot closeups during the chase scenes, which jarred the viewer from the suspended disbelief necessary to enjoy fiction. Overall, I'm not sorry that I own the DVD. It's a real joy to escape the foul language and smut that passes itself off as entertainment these days.

As a teenager, I have a natural taste for movies with excellent special effects, engaging, innovative plots and good old fashioned gore. However, as a father, I have grown a special appreciation for movies that are simply decent and human. This is one of those. It is a family movie, but with a clever and, well, lovable concept. Well written and well performed, it has the capacity to touch even those who don't want to admit they can be touched, even if it is old.

I have watched this many times with my children all 7. And everyone enjoys it. Still we have watched it over and over along with their friends and as stated before everyone who has ever seen this movie watchs it again and again. There are not many family movies around anymore. There should be more movies like this made now adays. Kids will always be kids. Everyone enjoys a good comdey. No matter what age they are. This movie is truely a treasure. How can you not like James Garner. One of many Disney movies for the whole family. This should be put on a dvd and brought back out on the shelves for all to see and watch. So get out the popcorn and get ready for a GOOD family movie.

Standard western from Disney has Calvary soldier-turned-deserter James Garner escaping incarceration with two camels, coming across an Indian boy in the New Mexico desert, also on the run; turns out the kid, who speaks near-perfect English, is a "white eyes," either adopted by the Indians or raised in captivity (the movie is shy to say). Family film uses the ornery camels for comic relief, while Garner's paternal feelings for the boy underline the scenario with sentiment. Vera Miles plays a handsome widow, conveniently placed on the journey (with a young daughter, Jodie Foster) for the soldier to warm to and the boy to learn from about family. Luckily for Garner, Miles still has her dead husband's razor so's the soldier can give himself a shave... ** from ****

I love James Garner films, especially western, especially old ones. This one from the Disney studios is a gem, featuring a very young Jodie Foster as a 10 year old girl with a crush on the "little Indian" who turns out to be not an Indian at all.

OK, so it might be a bit corny for modern tastes, but the acting is flawless all around, especially Garner and Vera Miles and the "little Indian" played by Clay O'Brien. The camels are great too, obviously played by camels. Whoever their trainer was did a great job!

If you like good clean family entertainment without senseless filler, then I recommend this film could be for you!