Main Cast: Johnny Whitaker, Celeste Holm, Warren Oates, Jeff East, Jodie Foster
Release Year: 1973
Country: US
Run Time: 100 minutes
Plot
Mark Twain's classic tale is brought to the screen for the fourth time, this time with a tuneful score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who also wrote the screen adaptation. Johnny Whitaker stars as Tom Sawyer, with Jeff East in his first film role as Huck Finn. Jodie Foster is also on hand, playing the role of Becky Thatcher. This enjoyable family fare was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Art Direction, Best Song Score and Best Costume Design. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
Review
Film musicals typically carried very hefty price tags by 1973; Tom Sawyer was a bit of a throwback, a more modestly budgeted "tuner," and one that aimed squarely at the children's market. On the whole, this adaptation of Mark Twain's classic is pleasantly diverting, although it doesn't capture the satire, irony and social commentary that are a major part of the book. The movie is suffused with the golden glow of nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time - right from the start, the opening song tells us that "A boy is gonna grow to a man, a man/Only once in his life is he free," and while Twain may not have appreciated this approach, it works quite well. Johnny Whitaker is good for the role as conceived for the film; he lacks the rough edge that the character has in the novel, but he has an agreeable presence and a lively spirit and keeps "cutesy" moments to a minimum. Jeff East is even better as Huck, and Jodie Foster a game Becky Thatcher. Of the adults, Celeste Holm provides some much appreciated musical theatre expertise. The score is undistinguished but catchy -- "Freebootin'" is bound to stick in the audience's mind for days after viewing. The location filming is quite attractive, and the physical production is superior. Tom Sawyer is an undemanding and amiable movie that children especially will enjoy. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
