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The Light in the Forest (film)

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Wikipedia article




'The Light in the Forest' is a 1958 American Western historical fiction drama film based on a novel of the same name first published in 1953 by American author Conrad Richter. The film was produced by Walt Disney Productions and stars Fess Parker, Joanne Dru, James MacArthur and Wendell Corey. Though it is a work of fiction and primarily features fictional characters, the novel incorporates several real people and facts from American history.

Plot



In 1764 Pennsylvania, a young white boy raised by Native Americans is forced to return to white society following the signing of a peace treaty.

Cast



*Fess Parker as Del Hardy

*Wendell Corey as Wilse Owens

*Joanne Dru as Milly Elder

*James MacArthur as Johnny Butler/True Son

*Jessica Tandy as Myra Butler

*John McIntire as John Elder

*Joseph Calleia as Chief Cuyloga

*Carol Lynley as Shenandoe

*Rafael Campos as Half Arrow

*Frank Ferguson as Harry Butler

*Dean Fredericks as Niskitoon

*Marian Seldes as Kate Owens

*Stephen Bekassy as Col. Henry Bouquet

*Sam Buffington as George Owens

Production



The movie was based on a novel by Conrad Richter that was published in 1953.Unwanted Rescue: THE LIGHT IN THE FOREST. By Conrad Richter. 179 pp. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. $2.50, By James MacBride. The New York Times 17 May 1953: BR5. A sequel, 'A Country of Strangers', was published in 1966.

Disney bought the film rights in June 1953 but announced that it would not make the film until 1957.BY WAY OF REPORT: Gauguin Feature on Tap -- On Crosby's Agenda, By A. H. WEILER. The New York Times 21 June 1953: X5.

In October 1955, the film was in "preparation."Disney Announces Plan to Release 10 Pictures Los Angeles Times 25 Oct 1955: 20. In March 1956, Fess Parker, who had played Davy Crockett for Disney, was announced as the film's star, and a search was begun for the male lead. Filming was to begin in July,Walt Disney to Make Film of 'The Light in the Forest' Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 26 Mar 1956: b8. but it was delayed.

In May 1957, Disney announced that the lead role would be played by James MacArthur, the son of Helen Hayes and Charles MacArthur, who had recently appeared in 'The Young Stranger'. MacArthur was under a five-year contract with RKO and was a college student at Harvard University, so he made the film during his summer vacation.TWO ROLES FILLED IN 'PEYTON PLACE': New York Times 6 May 1957: 24. He signed a three-picture deal with Disney when he was cast.Helen Hayes' Adopted Son Gets Pact OK/ Los Angeles Times 16 Nov 1957: 2.

Filming began in July 1957Disney Selects Guide for Young MacArthur; Jaeckel Ford Partner. Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 10 June 1957: C13. and took place in California and Lookout Valley (Chattanooga), Tennessee.

The film's screenplay expands the role of Del Hardy, portrayed by Parker, who remains with the Butler family much longer than he does in the novel. True Sons blood brother Gordon does not appear in the film. The character of Shenandoe, Uncle Wilses indentured servant, was added as a love interest for True Son. In the film, the antagonism between True Son and Wilse culminates in a fistfight rather than in Wilse's scalping, as in the book. While the novel ends on a note of uncertainty, with True Son alone on a remote road and unsure where his future lies, the film has him return to his family, to Shenandoe and, presumably, to life on a plot of wild land that his father has had deeded to him.

The film's title song was written by Lawrence Edward Watkin, Paul J. Smith and Hazel "Gil" George.

Premiere



The film premiered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 9, 1958 at the Senate Theater with actor Wendell Corey and his wife and some Mouseketeers such as Jimmie Dodd, Annette Funicello, Tommy Cole, and Doreen Tracey in attendance.

Reception



Bosley Crowther of 'The New York Times' wrote that the film was "talky (much of which is quite hard to understand) and the dramatic incidents are less vivid than they ordinarily are in Disney films. However, the whole thing is wholesome, in a nice, simple, outdoor way, and the scenery is pretty in color. It should entertain the kids."Crowther, Bosley (July 11, 1958). [https://www.nytimes.com/1958/07/11/archives/screen-homespun-tale-light-in-the-forest-is-at-the-normandie.html "Screen: Homespun Tale".] 'The New York Times'. p. 15.

'Variety' reported that the film had "the same wholesome adventure qualities that distinguished 'Old Yeller'. Like most Disney productions, it is pastoral in quality, almost fable-like in its gentle approach to some basically bitter situations, but it is well-paced, has capable acting and a brace of marquee names, plus wide screen and Technicolor.""Film Reviews: The Light In the Forest". 'Variety'. April 30, 1958. 6.

Geoffrey Warren of the 'Los Angeles Times' wrote that James MacArthur and Carol Lynley were "real charmers with more than their share of talent." He found Herschel Daugherty's direction "outstanding" and Lawrence Edward Watkin's screenplay "quite good."Warren, Geoffrey (July 24, 1958). "'Light in the Forest' Good Historical Film". 'Los Angeles Times'. Part II, p. 5.

'The Monthly Film Bulletin' observed: "Dramatically, its action is limited and uneventful. But the scenes in the forest are shot with a fresh eye for natural beauty, and children might well find the film enjoyable. The acting, in spite of the presence of skillful players Wendell Corey and Jessica Tandy, is seldom more than competent."

References






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