Year Released: 1963
Michael's Movie Grade:C+
History
Savage Sam was the Disney studio's second feature length sequel, being a sequel to Old Yeller. The idea to do a sequel to Old Yeller was a natural decision. Not only was it a huge hit for the studio, but the book it was based off of also had a sequel. Once again Fred Gipson, the author of both books, was hired to write the screenplay for the movie version and once again he co-wrote it with screen writer William Tunburg. Savage Sam is a very different type of movie than Old Yeller was. This film was in fact more of a traditional western. Also though this film featured the same main cast and writers that Old Yeller had, this movie had a different director. While Robert Stevenson was the director of the first movie, Norman Tokar directs Savage Sam. This was the second Disney film directed by Norman Tokar. The previous one also had to do with a boy and a dog (Big Red). Savage Sam marked the last Disney film that Jeff York appeared in, as he revisits a role in played in Old Yeller.
The film was not that well received by critics. A review in The New York Times said Fred Gibson and William Tunberg's script was full of "abundant clichés and Norman Tokar directs every scene as if it were his last". A review in Variety called the movie "...one of the least satisfactory items to emerge from the Buena Vista hopper in years". The Harald Tribune was more positive calling the film a "typical Walt Disney adventure offering - clean, wholesome, family-type fare". The film proved very disappointing at the box office. Strangely enough advertisements for Savage Sam didn't exactly make it clear that this film was in fact a sequel to Old Yeller. This may have something to do with the film's box office disappointment.
Review
Good movie, but a disappointing sequel.
There is quite a bit to recommend about this movie. The characters for the most part are just as likable as they were in Old Yeller, and the actors do great job playing these characters. Like all Disney films from this time this movie is just beautiful to look at. The cinematography especially is very good. The action scene near the end is quite exciting. While this movie may fall short of Old Yeller, one thing it does have over that film is that the humor is funnier here. Much of this comes from the character of Bud Searcy, and his obviously fake tall tales. Though there are better Disney movies he acted in this is probably the perfect film, for Jeff York to end his Disney career on, because it is one where he steals the show.
On the downside however Kevin Corcoran seemed to old to be playing this part. Though he does a good job, most of what he is given to do feels like it was meant for a younger kid, and just feels odd. He does however get one of the film's biggest laughs as he gives Bud a taste of his own medicine at the end, but mostly this character feels awkward. The romance between Travis and Lisbeth is very undeveloped and almost feels like it is just here to have a romance in the movie. Their relationship seemed much more fleshed out in Old Yeller, when they weren't even a couple. On top of this is that the middle part of the movie just seems to drag. A lot of the conversations and things they run across seem to be just filler.
If you want a fun western, that may not be a classic, but is still a good movie, you should watch this film. However if you want something as good as Old Yeller, there are many other Disney movies that reach that standard.
Film Credits
Director: Norman Tokar
Writers: Fred Gipson, William Tunberg
Cast: Tommy Kirk (Travis Coates), Kevin Corcoran (Arliss Coates), Brain Keith (Beck Coates), Marta Kristen (Lisbeth Searcy), Jeff York (Bud Searcy), Dewey Martin (Lester White), Rafael Campos (Young Warrior), Slim Pickens (Willy Crup), Rodolfo Acosta (Bandy Legs), Pat Hogan (Broken Nose), Dean Fredericks (Comanche Chief), Brad Weston (Ben Todd), Royal Dano (Pack Underwood)
Producers: Walt Disney, Bill Anderson
Music: Oliver Wallace, Evelyn Kennedy, Walter Sheets
Songwriter: Terry Gilkyson
Cinematographer: Edward Colman
Editor: Grant Smith
Art Directors: Carroll Clarke, Marvin Aubrey Davis
Set Decorators: Hal Gausman, Emile Kuri
Costume Design: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne
Makeup Artists: Pat McNally
Hair Stylist: Ruth Sandifer
Assistant Director: Joseph L. McEveety
Sound Artist: Robert O. Cook
Special Effects Artists: Jim Fetherolf, Eustace Lycett
Stunt Artists: May Boss, Bill Hart, Richard Fransworth, Walt Le Rue
Resources Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
-Michael J. Ruhland
