The standard Dolby Digital Mono track doesn't make for the best audio experience, but it serves the purpose adequately. I would guess that this is the best the film has ever looked, but I haven't seen the non-anamorphic DVD put out by Anchor Bay years ago. Dark scenes are handled quite capably, as are scenes displaying the sands and bright blue skies of Utah countryside. The accurate and detailed video displays the film's vibrant colors and a satisfying sharpness. A few of the film's many location shots lack consistency the greater majority hold up well. There's some wear and tear here and there, but not much. The film looks pretty good for the most part. Just a few months ago, getting a catalogue film like this in widescreen would have been unheard of, so it is worth commending Disney on their newfound respect for releasing their live action films on DVD. One Little Indian is presented in its original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio, and has been enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Single-sided, single-layered disc (DVD-5) Even without many surprises, the film delights.ĭolby Digital Mono (English, French, Spanish) But, this heartfelt little story certainly delivers at enlisting young and old alike with its compelling duo of man and boy. One Little Indian may not be a crowning jewel among Disney's canon, and it doesn't hold a high place with audiences the way that some of the studio's films do. The rich scenery, from the mountainous countryside to the vivid blues and tans of the open desert, lend an additional air of credibility, reinforcing that this is a western film and not merely another Disney picture. The higher budget also comes through in how Disney shot this on location in Utah, rather than the usual sets and soundstages. The prominent star, in between successful television runs on "Maverick" and "The Rockford Files", heads the cast with a strong central performance, and receives competent support from Vera Miles (no stranger to Disney films). This is most evident in the casting of James Garner, in the first of a two-picture deal. Production values here are a bit higher than most Disney films from this time, which helps One Little Indian stand out from other benign productions of the '70s. In spite of this and the pacing issue, One Little Indian winds up being the type of strong family entertainment that one has come to expect of Disney, and it proves satisfying for both children and adults alike. With Stewart and his team remaining merciless and persistent in their trail of Keyes, the film works itself into such a bind that it's forced to stretch believability in order to give the happy ending the audience wishes to see. The helpful mother-daughter pair seems like the perfect complement to the rough-and-tumble fugitive team, but Clint still plans on pursuing freedom south of the border. When it relies on sight gags with Clint's disobeident camel Rosient, the film isn't quite as enthralling.Ĭlint and Mark's journey becomes even more interesting when they encounter the McIvers, a pretty widow (Vera Miles) and her friendly daughter (Jodie Foster, in her second Disney film). While its pacing is casual for a film that can be rightfully classified as a western adventure, One Little Indian remains engaging as it explores the chemistry between the man and boy, together on the run.
Clint has plans to find freedom in Mexico, while Mark is looking to be reunited with Blue Feather, his mother figure from the tribe. Though the runaways develop a genuine rapport, their conflicting targets becomes a central issue. But Captain Stewart (Pat Hingle) and his men, obsessed with serving justice to Keyes, and are back on his trail in no time.
He is baptized, given the name Mark, and then escapes into the desert.Ĭlint and Mark become a team of sorts, and their combined efforts are able to outwit their pursuers. On account of this, he has been pulled aside from his people by the Calvary. Past his dark hair and tanned appearance, the boy's pale bottom reveals his white heritage. The other is a ten-year-old boy (Clay O'Brien) who had been living with a Native American tribe. One is Clint Keyes (James Garner), a man charged with mutiny and desertion by the U.S. In One Little Indian, two runaways with different destinations but a common enemy cross paths in the desert of New Mexico.