mark.waltz ...and that includes dogs, cows, horses, pigs on a barrel and those of the human variety. The birds can fly, joining the exotic variety which has probably never seen a duck in its life. Thomas Mitchell, the pop from "Gone With the Wind", takes on the role of another literary patriarch, a successful businessman who immigrated from Switzerland to England, and now wants to find a new home with the Napoleonic wars approaching. And what a home they find, but in this case, it is not Disney style.This version of the Johann David Wyss novel is in glorious black and white, and is all the better for it. While the Disney version is worthy of its classic status, this version has been wrongfully overlooked, with a lesson pre-war of survival and growing up, and what living on this earth is all about. Mitchell and his wife (Edna Best) have strived to raise their children with dignity and ideals, but they have ended up being too worldly and materialistic. It's obvious that life in God's country will make men out of them, and only hard work will bring them survival in their challenging new home.Tim Holt, Freddie Bartholomew and terry Kilburn are the three post adolescent children, with Baby Quillan as the cute newest addition to the family that brings ooh's and aah's for his cuteness. A giant sea turtle and ostrich are among the new creatures of God who help show the family the truth of their new paradise. And if course, there's the famous tree house, not quite as grand as Disney's, but no bird's nest, either. All in all, a fine version of a classic tale that I'd long wanted to see and was not disappointed in the least. My only issue is the obvious passage of time that does not seem to age the youngest child as the two older sons obviously arrive at adulthood.

jdev3611 Purchased a VHS copy of this film from AMAZON years ago. The quality is the worst I have ever seen. I should have returned it. Almost unwatchable. My memories of this film go back to grammar school and watching it in the auditorium of my catholic school in West Philadelphia. I remember the scary giant spider scene! Disney should restore the film and release it to the public. Disney has historical interesting films like this and Song of the South which they refuse to release in the United States for silly reasons . The actors in this film did an excellent job of giving the viewer the feel of being on an island and the thought of never returning to civilized life

pb616567 I also remember this movie from my childhood. I thought that all copies were destroyed. I would love to see it again. If there is a copy out there I would love to know where. This movie may be a little outdated, but for kids it would be great. If the story and the cast remained with me for 50+ years, it might also remain with the kids of today. Thomas Mitchell was a great actor, but I agree that the wife in this movie left a little to be desired. There are also a lot of animals for the little kids to enjoy. It's a basic, clean adventure where you don't have to worry what you child is watching, which is something rare in these days. I recommend highly.

lousvr Saw this "Thomas Mitchell" Swiss FR years, decades ago broadcasted on TV. In fact during the 50's and 60's this wonderful movie would be shown often. It was just a great kids adventure movie, and is simply the best of them all. Would be great to see it now, but...