Main Cast: Myrna Loy, Robert Mitchum, Louis Calhern, Shepperd Strudwick, Gerald Perreau-Saissine
Release Year: 1949
Country: US
Run Time: 90 minutes
Plot
One of themost acclaimed films to emerge from Republic studios, The Red Pony is an adaptation of the John Steinbeck story of the same name. Top billing goes to Myrna Loy and Robert Mitchum, but the film's true star is young Peter Miles as Tom. A lonely farm boy, Tom seeks refuge from his troublesome home life and his eternally squabbling parents (Loy and Shepperd Strudwick) through his devotion to a newborn colt. The red pony is the issue of a prize mare owned by ranchhand Billy Buck (Mitchum), whom Tom idolizes. The film's coming-of-age theme cluminates in a poignant denouement. Louis Calhern plays Tom's lovably prevaricating grandfather, while 10-year-old Beau Bridges essays one of his first featured roles. Aaron Copland's score and the rich Technicolor photography of Tony Gaudio contribute to the film's overall mood. The Red Pony was remade for television in 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
The Red Pony is one of Hollywood's finest family films, one that does the genre the rare honor of creating fairly complex characters and emotional situations, and attempts to explore the same with honesty. The fact that it occasionally slips into melodrama mars its effectiveness, but these lapses are relatively few and ultimately do not detract from its overall power. John Steinbeck's screenplay is well constructed and features some flavorful dialogue, as well as a number of characters whose inability to connect or to interact with direct emotion is exploited to good effect. The writer has also provided a number of dramatically potent set piece scenes, including a disturbing death scene that is followed by an even more disturbing and enormously powerful battle between Tom and a vulture. Director Lewis Milestone captures this sequence beautifully, and displays a sure hand in capturing important nuances that help give a distinct flavor to the film. Robert Mitchum is perfectly cast as the man-of-few-words, Billy Buck, and Myrna Loy expertly employs her quiet reservoir of unstated emotions. Young Peter Miles handles the daunting role of Tom with amazing assurance and resourcefulness. Special notice must also be made of Aaron Copland's stirring, unforgettable score, as well as Tony Gaudio's flavorful cinematography. The Red Pony is an excellent film that bears repeated viewings. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Margaret Hamilton - Teacher; Patty King - Jinx Ingals; Jackie Jackson - Jackie; Beau Bridges - Beau; Nino Tempo - Nino; Eddie Borden - Circus Performer; Dolores Castle - Gert; Wee Willie Davis - Truck Driver; Alvin Hammer - Telegrapher; Poodles Hanneford - Clown; George Tyne - Charlie; Max Wagner - Bartender; Don Kay Reynolds - Himself
