My Side Of The Mountain

MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN stars 13-year-old Eccles as a young man who admires Henry David Thoreau. Emulating his hero, Sam runs away to live in the Canadian woodlands, leaving a note telling his parents that he will return in one year. Taking some equipment and his pet raccoon, Gus, he makes himself a home in a hollow tree, learns various survival methods, and teaches himself about falconry. He also meets a wandering folk singer (delightfully played by Theodore Bikel) who teaches the boy more woodland lore. In the process of learning about life in the wilderness, he also learns much about himself and his relationship with his family. The film is both entertaining and...