classicsoncall It no longer surprises me that even the warmest of family films finds it's detractors, just take a look at some of the negative comments for "The Wizard of Oz". This film has similar qualities to those found in "Miracle on 34th Street", in as much as the little girl Molly (Molly McGowan) understands that you have to believe in something to make it come true. You'll have to work out the talking horse business for yourself but it's an otherwise fine story that families with young kids can take delight in.I did have a little trouble with one scene though. When Molly took up the Triple M iron and threatened to brand herself, that was a bit dicey for the film makers to record. Not only for the fact that it was a scary scene for youngsters but actress Molly herself was already twelve years old, so there's some question there about the decency of the situation. I wouldn't even bring it up if it hadn't affected me so strongly.I did think that scene with Doc Stewart (Paul Keast) was pretty clever. For all those doubting Thomases out there, the doctor couldn't pull the trigger on that bet with Molly and high tailed it out of there real quick. That's what the story managed to do throughout; every time Molly's Dad or sister tried to get a concession from Molly that maybe, just maybe Snowfire didn't really talk to her, she came right back with a confident rebuttal that made you think twice. For me, that was the magic of the story.The film looks like it must have been a family affair in it's own right. The director and producer were McGowan Brothers, and the sisters in the story, Molly and Melodie, were the real life daughters of Dorrell McGowan. Which begs the question whether top billed Don Megowan was selected for his name or because he actually auditioned for the part; he was no relation to the others and his name spells differently. Also, for modern day viewers who weren't around in the Fifties when this came out, there's some unintended humor relative to the name of the bad guy brothers who kept making trouble throughout the story - they were the Stoners.

calvinnme Each and every review of this film just gushes praise for it. I saw it yesterday on TCM and it was just unbelievably bad. Another poster on the message boards hit the high points - bad acting, bad direction, horrendous dialogue. I actually thought the cinematography was good but not great. I give it three stars because the idea was a good one, it's just a case of terrible execution on every level. This is not from some teenager who appreciates only comic book action movies. I was born in the year this film was made and I am ordinarily a fan of child-bonds-with-animal films including 1969's made-for-TV movie "J.T.", 1934's Sequoia, and the 40's "Rusty" series of films, which has also been airing on TCM as of late.I knew the film was in trouble when plastered in huge letters across the entire height of the screen was the name of someone I'd never heard of before as though he was Orson Welles or Spencer Tracy - Don McGowan. What followed were acting, writing, and directing credits, all by people with the same last name. Thus part of the problem could be that the film seems to be almost completely a family affair, so probably a family of film makers working on a project can't really be objective about the quality of a relative's work. My favorite scene: a real western fight breaks out over Snowfire and these manly men of the west are armed with - tree branches??? It really was ridiculous. And don't get me started on the girls - not twins - dressed in identical clothing.Most everyone here reviewing seems to be remembering it fondly from childhood, so I'm prepared to get pelted with eggs and tomatoes for writing this review. I think what has happened in most cases is that because this film is so rare they are remembering it from many years ago, and watching it again might be like revisiting your elementary school once you are grown - the fact is that the halls and the auditorium are much smaller and far less grand than what is enshrined in your memory. Only to cure yourself of your childhood illusion - assuming you want to do that in the first place - do I recommend you watch this film.

paulconnie_w I HAVE THE MOVIE [email protected] was told this is a very good movie, I have not seen it because it is before my time, but my mother-in-law gives it great reviews and asked me if I could help her in finding it because she would just love to have it, or even to be able to watch it again on TV. So I started looking earlier this year and no one seemed to have the movie. Well just a little bit ago I was able to contact a person that says he has it as well as other classic hard to find movies. If there are others out there that wish to have this movie as well, you could contact me. I see there are many postings here of people asking for it and no one has it, wishing that some TV channel would play it or offer it for sale. I would love to see more classic movies they are great, and I am looking forward to seeing this one.

Pamatsalem Please contact me if anyone has any form of this movie! It's my very favorite movie from childhood, and I was deeply touched when I first viewed it in all it's magestic glory. Granted, the "branding scene" seems a bit harsh now, but during the innocence of that time, it was just part of the movie, for symbolism of what the horse meant to the girl...it had really no other weird conotations. Anyway, I will keep looking, (maybe on E-Bay?) and please let's keep each other posted on possibilities for getting this movie for viewing! Thanks,[email protected]