Customer Reviews

One Little Indian [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One Little Indian is a late entry from the Golden Age of Walt Disney, but it's an engaging and enjoyable film. James Garner was in a transitional period here, dabbling with TV and high-grade B-movies like Those Daring Dobermans. He's just as charming as ever, which seems out of place since he IS a deserter. However, as the script is a timely one, his only "crime" was disrupting a massacre of a peaceful Indian camp. So perhaps for the only time in history, we have Viet Nam, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, and Jodie Foster coinciding in spacetime.

Several things make this a good movie. An early tip off to the quality is a first-rate Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack. Next, and most important, Clay O'brien is a very appealing child actor. Add Jodie Foster to the young'un cast and you've got a nice set of kids. Not only that, but the supporting cast is loaded with familiar faces if you're a Western fan. The only shortcoming is there are too few scenes with Vera Miles. I wish the interlude between her and Mr. Garner had lasted longer. In breaking with current tradition, Andrew Prine plays a clergyman who is honest, sympathetic, and Godly. Hollywood hasn't heard of anything like that in decades! And as for the camel(s), it is not just a gimmick, but is really relevant to the plotline. I suppose if the camel had belched or farted, the movie would appeal more to kids today, but thank God there was once a time when they considered that too vulgar. In short, this is good vintage James Garner with a lot of extras thrown in.

I loved this film.

What an absolutely hilarious movie. There are scenes that are so unforgettable.... like in the first place.... what is James Garner doing on a camel in the old west?!?!?

But it makes sense as the film goes along. And the scenes between James Garner and the little boy Clay O'Brien are often comical. They work great together. You'd never know that the "Indian" boy in this film is the same blonde-haired, blue-eyed youngster in John Wayne's classic film, "Cahill, U.S. Marshall".

I enjoy a good comedy film, and this one is near the top of my list. James Garner is always so believable in whatever role he plays.... and if being a camel-riding, orphan-toting, short-tempered cavalry-escapee is his role, only James Garner can make it seem believable (in the comedy role that it is).

If you wish to view a simple, rural, 1800's-style comedy film that is sure to be enjoyed.... this is one I'd certainly recommend.

I remember seeing One Little Indian as a kid so I picked it up. There's not much action but a long traveling story. The interesting thing is the list of up and coming stars that were in it.
Jay Silverheels (Tonto), Jim Davis from the tv show Dallas
Robert Pine from CHIPS, James Garner from Rockford Files and of course Jodie Foster.
As many Disney films there's some action and sad events in the story. A white boy (Clay O'Brien)who was captured by the indians as a child. Then taken away from his indian "mother" whom he wants to get back to. This is a fine family movie for the younger set and for those who want to see the actors before they were famous.

I loved this movie as a kid! Don't know why a kid wouldn't like it unless he/she was raised watching only horror and violence.

BEHIND THE SCENES & TRUE TRIVIA: Directed by Bernard McEveety (not to be confused with his brothers Vince or Joe, who also directed at Disney Studios). Bernard also directed "The Bears and I", "Napoleon and Samantha", as well as "The Boy and the Bronc Buster". Filming took place near Kanab, Utah. The film pulls together a stellar cast including James Garner, Vera Miles, Jodie Foster, Jay Silverheels, Jim Davis and Clay O'Brian . Jodie Foster appeared in 4 Disney theatrical movies during this period, and 1 television movie for Disney, "Menace on the Mountain". Jodie Foster broke her ankle during filming, one of a series of mishaps on the project including a flood, a fire, stuntman injuries, and lightning striking a plane carrying the cast and crew. There actually was a testing program for the suitability of stylizing camels in the southwest states by the U.S. Calvary during the period the movie is portraying. Released in theatres on June 20, 1973 well after the passing of Mr. Walt Disney. It was aired as a two episode story on the Disney weekly television show "Wonderful World of Disney on NBC on September 26, and October 3, 1976. It was first released to VHS in 1986 in the Disney clamshell, prior to the 200 release by Anchor Bay. Anchor Bay remastered the video image and sound, and released a widescreen VHS version as well. 91 minutes in length. He film is a bit slow at times, but enjoyable overall, suitable for all ages.

THE STORY: When a U.S. Cavalryman attempts to intercede in a massacre of a village, he is branded an outlaw charged with mutiny. He flees towards old Mexico with U.S. property, two camels Rosie and her calf, Thirsty. Along the way he reluctantly befriends a 10 year old named Mark, raised by Indians, who is also on the run. The cavalry is hot on their heels. The two come across a remote homestead run by a widow and her daughter, who in turn must decide whether to aid the strangers on the run or to slow them down for their pursuers.

A thoroughly enjoyable film, especially for James Garner fans. Some amusing moments but never played tongue in cheek.
Be warned that, in spite of the claim that the DVD is universal, it wouldn't play on my Region 2 machine.

Before I found this movie on Amazon, I had neither seen it nor, indeed, heard of it before, so I wasn't sure what to make of it. After I received it and watched it, I wasn't disappointed. It's a nice little movie that the entire family can enjoy. However, I was a little disappointed by the ending, but I won't reveal what happened to prevent spoilers. Still, if you're looking for a DVD to enjoy with the little kids in your life, I recommend this one.

This is a delightful movie that the whole family can enjoy. James Garner is at his best in an interesting story that has a nice mix of action, humor and romance, and filmed in the beautiful Southwest. It is a delight also to see a young Jodie Foster as the daughter of the talented Vera Miles.

Fans of James Gardner will enjoy this movie. The little indian is the little boy in "The cowboys" the boys removed the blocks from under the chalk board so the boy is taller than the line John Wayne drew on it. With Vera Miles and Jodie Foster very young. I think it is based on a story from the wonderful world of disney

James Gardner makes this sporadic paced comedy putter along. It does have some good lines and pranks if you can stay awake with the dead fill time. Average compared to the "Support the ****" movies.