A really amazing film to come from the Disney studio at a time ( 1958 ) when they were making tough films for family audiences. First viewed in 1965 aged 7 when my father hired the 16mm print for private home use to family and friends. I think he projected it twice and then the film remained in the memory for many years as an early favourite. Those were the days when you saw a film once or twice and there was no way of seeing it again until a reissue or TV. Having just seen the film again 43 years later, I have to say that it really is superb entertainment with a useful message about racial tolerance yet never needing to compromise it's swiftly told, exciting story. A passionate, memorable performance from a very fit, believably cast young Sal Mineo. Beautiful Technicolor photography from the great Loyal Griggs (Shane) and not forgetting the various horses used for the lead role of 'Tonka wakan - The Great One', of course several had to be used and one has to suspend disbelief occasionally as the animals don't always look similar but all in all Disney did a very commendable job. Top Direction from Lewis R.Foster with the battle at the Little Big Horn impressively staged. A very underrated film and long overdue for a DVD restoration, in fact some filmmakers do admire it as the whole story was recently reworked in animated form for a Spielberg production 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron'.
