This musical version of
Tom Sawyer marked the fourth time Mark Twain's famous novel had been brought to the screen. Here the familiar story is augmented by a lilting score by the Sherman brothers, who also provided the screenplay. Shot entirely on location in Missouri, bathed in
nostalgia, and boasting some good songs, it never manages to be quite as magical as one might hope. The film stars Johnny Whitaker (TV's "Family Affair") as Tom Sawyer, and Jeff East, a young Missourian making his film debut, as Huck Finn. Thoroughly convincing as Becky Thatcher is 10-year-old
Jodie Foster. While not as enjoyable as the Jackie Coogan version (see above), this more re...
Released:
1973
Rated:
G
Length:
100 mins