I watched this movie a couple times as a child when it was on the Disney TV show back in the 1960s. Seeing it now I can appreciate it much more. I think most of its fans watch it for the trains, which are very interesting and real... in contrast to most movies today. I checked out the actual historical incident on which it is based (a couple of Wikipedia articles) and it seems to be very authentic to the actual events...
again in contrast to some other more recent war and adventure movies.
The script and acting are very good. One thing I think that helps here is that most of the actors had served in the military in World War Two, which gave their performances as Civil War soldiers a more authentic feeling... again in contrast...
There is a message about the American Civil War and its issues and about war and peace in general, but it is presented quietly and subtlety. (Need I say again... in contrast?) Part of the reason is that when the movie was made the United States was still racially segregated with many people very sensitive about the history and background of the Civil War, and Disney of course wanted it to be shown nationwide including in the South.
About the two heroes of the movie: They were both heroes although one was fighting for the future and one for the past, and I think that's what the movie is really about.
Good for the whole family. Nothing about sex. Very little actual violence. There's a big fight at the end but no blood. I don't think anyone is killed on screen. No racial stereotypes. The two enslaved people with minor, but important, parts are presented with dignity. Southern white people, except the second main hero, are stereotyped as mostly kind of stupid and silly. But I guess that's okay.
The music, authentic folk songs of the time, is a nice touch and comes out as a natural part of the story. People sang and played the piano and guitar more back then.
BTW we got it as, I guess, permission to watch it on Amazon Prime TV so we didn't have the problems with the DVD that other people mentioned. The picture and sound quality was great.
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Get Ready For A Fun Disney Ride!
I've always loved Disney films and this is a favorite for all of us! Based on a true story, Fess Parker plays James Andrews, a Federal agent sent to the South during the American Civil War. His intentions are to burn several strategic bridges in Confederate territory in order to prevent the South from reinforcing their armies. After commandeering a train in broad daylight, and in full view of an entire Confederate Army, they embark on a historic chase over 88 miles in enemy territory. The conductor, William Fuller (played by Jeffrey Hunter) chases them on foot, rail car, and eventually a locomotive, and the intensity increases as Andrews and his raiders realize their pursuer is preventing them from burning bridges. The chase comes to a head as Fuller catches up while the Confederate Cavalry heads them off from the north. Filmed in the south and on real railway roads, the film follows historical documentation with names, places, and events. It is based on the raiders who survived and received the first Congressional Medal of Honor to a man. In reality, Andrews and another raider were not given this award because they were not actual soldiers, but civilians. They did however, receive a place in history for their actions. The movie has familiar Disney music and themes, and Jeff York who played Mike Fink in the Davy Crockett films is in it, as is Harry Carey, Jr. If you're a fan of Disney films, you'll love this one!
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2003
- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2017
I've always loved Disney films and this is a favorite for all of us!
Based on a true story, Fess Parker plays James Andrews, a Federal agent sent to the South during the American Civil War. His intentions are to burn several strategic bridges in Confederate territory in order to prevent the South from reinforcing their armies. After commandeering a train in broad daylight, and in full view of an entire Confederate Army, they embark on a historic chase over 88 miles in enemy territory. The conductor, William Fuller (played by Jeffrey Hunter) chases them on foot, rail car, and eventually a locomotive, and the intensity increases as Andrews and his raiders realize their pursuer is preventing them from burning bridges. The chase comes to a head as Fuller catches up while the Confederate Cavalry heads them off from the north.
Filmed in the south and on real railway roads, the film follows historical documentation with names, places, and events. It is based on the raiders who survived and received the first Congressional Medal of Honor to a man. In reality, Andrews and another raider were not given this award because they were not actual soldiers, but civilians. They did however, receive a place in history for their actions. The movie has familiar Disney music and themes, and Jeff York who played Mike Fink in the Davy Crockett films is in it, as is Harry Carey, Jr. If you're a fan of Disney films, you'll love this one!
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Top reviews from other countries
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Jean-Jacques VAWGA von FrankreichReviewed in France on December 12, 2017
la guerre de sécession vue par Dysney;un régal car jamais d'horreur mais quel humanité!
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Amazon KundeReviewed in Germany on September 20, 2019
Mooie wedstrijd met oude lokomotieven
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- JOHNNY WALKERReviewed in Canada on October 26, 2014
REVIEW ON THE MOVIE THE GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE.
