A charming conman (Robert Logan) stalks two orphaned teenagers (Heather Rattray and Mark Edward Hall) who are on their way to collect on inheritance acrost The great divide and ends up becoming their guide in this extremely enjoyable family adventure. A very unique western, this focuses more on nature and survival skills than typical western plot elements, which means that the group will encounter various wildlife and natural challenges rather than what was usually presented in westerns. They also encounter some native Americans, but these aren't your typical western versions of the tribes of the west. Along the way, there's also a very aggressive bear, two bobcats and a den of wolves who surround Rattray and Hall, basically sizing them up before they pounce. Accompanying the group are two full-grown horses, a happy pony and a playful dog who often gets to become the hero. There's also a vigilante party on Logan's trail and a group of hicks who demand that Logan play cards with them. I could have dealt without human element other than the native Americans because they really add nothing to the plot that brings any dignity to the film.
The scenery is gorgeous, majestic and breathtaking, but obviously fraught with danger and certainly filled with challenges that most humans couldn't handle. the first group of native Americans they encounter are a group of young hunters who seemingly approach the two kids just for a fun distraction, and the second group comes along when Logan heroically tries to save one of the braves from an attacking bear. witnessing this, the chief brings them back to his tribe to sank them with hospitality, but the chief is disgusted when Logan involves the braves by teaching them how to play cards.
Rattray and Hall find a delightful romp in the mountains with a young Indian boy who shows them the joy of the various wildlife he has befriended, so you get to see the two white children dealing with a baby deer, a friendly eagle, some bobcat kittens and a badger who plays water games with the dog. The natives seem to have absolutely no fear of this group of white people so in spite of the language barrier, the encounter is friendly and educational for both, at least up until the unfortunate card game. Overall, the film is pleasant, fast-moving, and one I would have loved to have seen on the big screen when it first came out.
The scenery is gorgeous, majestic and breathtaking, but obviously fraught with danger and certainly filled with challenges that most humans couldn't handle. the first group of native Americans they encounter are a group of young hunters who seemingly approach the two kids just for a fun distraction, and the second group comes along when Logan heroically tries to save one of the braves from an attacking bear. witnessing this, the chief brings them back to his tribe to sank them with hospitality, but the chief is disgusted when Logan involves the braves by teaching them how to play cards.
Rattray and Hall find a delightful romp in the mountains with a young Indian boy who shows them the joy of the various wildlife he has befriended, so you get to see the two white children dealing with a baby deer, a friendly eagle, some bobcat kittens and a badger who plays water games with the dog. The natives seem to have absolutely no fear of this group of white people so in spite of the language barrier, the encounter is friendly and educational for both, at least up until the unfortunate card game. Overall, the film is pleasant, fast-moving, and one I would have loved to have seen on the big screen when it first came out.