Karry Best movie of this year hands down!

Steineded How sad is this?

Pluskylang Great Film overall

TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

John T. Ryan Herbert J. Yates presents John Steinbeck's THE RED PONY (Feldman Productions/Milestone Productions/REPUBLIC PICTURES, 1949) Starring Myrna Loy, Robert Mitchum, Louis Calhern. Written by John Steinbeck, Directed by Lewis Milestone, Original Music by Aaron Copland.REPUBLIC PICTURES, long the mainstay of the "B" Western, the Juvenile Comedy Series and (of course) the Saturday Matinée Serial, occasionally brought out through release a truly remarkable film. Case in point, we present you with The John Ford & Merion C. Cooper Argosy Production of THE QUIET MAN (1952). Films of such stature are rare anywhere and particularly so when produced (at least in part) by an outfit such as "The Thrill Factory". There were many others over the years; but as we said in the whole they were rare.LIKEWISE we have the case of this John Steinbeck tale of family, generational gaps, hero worship, fraud and ultimate discovery of mutual humanity; with of all its virtues, frailties and foibles notwithstanding. The screen adaptation is a surprisingly successful blending of emotion all around the spectrum. Although we have a setting in the American West , in the early part of the 20th Century, well after the Frontier had been tamed; we find the story to be universally relevant and relative to all in any time, setting or situation.FOR a project that is at least partially founded in a "poverty row", lesser tiered Hollywood Studio, the film marshals first rate talent from the best of that available. The Cast, featuring such luminaries as: Myrna Loy, Robert Mitchum and Louis Calhern, is equally well supported in the lower portions by fine performers with less well names. Shepherd Standwick, Margaret Hamilton, a young Nino Tempo and an even younger Beau Bridges (yeah, Lloyd's Son, Jeff's Bro). We're also treated to an uncredited appearance by Pro Wrestler, 'Wee Willie' Davis as a truck driver.THE cinematography is beautiful and the open country natural settings are truly breath taking. Stark realism, as exemplified by the ranch buildings and corrals, barn, etc., receives an outstanding dose of contrast by the finely conceived and rendered dream sequences. One tends to magnify the intensity of the other. The inclusion of the Technicolor Process is used to the utmost level; making for the best and most natural palette on any screen.LEST we forget our hearing, we must make mention of the beautiful original score composed by Mr. Aaron Copland. The theme and the incidental music, while sounding like vintage Copland, still manages to be a unique overall composition; deserving to be classified as a symphonic masterpiece, had it been written in another era.IN the hands of veteran Director's Director, Mr. Lewis Milestone, the story manages to Classify itself as being virtually unclassifiable. You'll find no pigeon holing or square and round pegging here. What could well be called a Western, a Comedy, a Coming of Age Tale, a Family Story or a Juvenile Tale, could be and would be classified in any of these categories; ergo, it's in essence none of these.AND that my dear Schultz, is what we believe to be the real criterion for true, singular classification and uniqueness. That's It and That's All, Story Over! POODLE SCHNITZ!!

wforstchen Quite by accident I caught this great classic on television today and copied it, to share it later in the day with my teen age daughter, thrilled to have a copy of one of the rare movies that Aaron Copland did the soundtrack for, and having as well a distant memory of how beautifully touching this film was. I realize now, after watching it again, I had suppressed a highly traumatic scene when the young boy discovers his dead pony, and at that moment a very disturbing scene as he fights off the carrion birds. It is definitely not suitable for younger children and a bit of a shocker even now considering the movie was made in 1949.But. . . and there is always a "but" for something like this. The movie is beautiful and elegant. Aaron Copland's soundtrack is lyrical, so rich with its "sense" of Americana. Every performance, from the grandfather, now out of place in time (and darn what moving eloquence when in this setting around 1900 he describes the "westerning" spirit of the America of his youth and now "we are old men, standing on the shore of an ocean, and there is no more west for us.") to as always the beauty of Myrna Loy in any role she plays.The varying themes triggered a deep and heart felt conversation with my teenage daughter. Memories of my own aging father, remembering his youth and telling the same stories once too often (and oh how I wished I had listened with more love and respect), to the anguish of losing a beloved animal companion. . . My daughter and I cried together during that scene and talking about it afterwards. . .and even the deeper issue of what was America and how the "westerning" spirit shaped us.This is a remarkable film, and definitely look beyond the exceptional cast to who was behind it, Copland for the music and Milestone directing. . .do not miss it, and if your children are in their teens, definitely share it with them as well. . .and be ready for some heart felt conversation afterwards. Sharing this tonight with my daughter was a true blessing.Wm. Forstchen

Neil Doyle THE RED PONY is a beautifully photographed Technicolor film from Republic starring MYRNA LOY and ROBERT MITCHUM, accompanied by one of Aaron Copland's most distinctive background scores. It has wonderful credentials in that it's based on a series of John Steinbeck stories and is directed by Lewis Milestone.For all that, the story of a farm boy's growing awareness of the cruelties of nature and the fallibility of men--even good men like Mitchum who can't always make the best of a bad situation--lacks any dramatic vigor it may have had if it wasn't directed in such a casual, slow-moving fashion and cluttered with small moments that detract from the main storyline.Atmospherically, it's rich in farm detail, filmed on a real ranch and capturing the look of country life with effortless ease. Little PETER MILES plays the boy capably enough, but it's ROBERT MITCHUM as the ranch hand who feels he's failed the boy when the pony dies, who gives the truest, most believable performance in the film.MYRNA LOY and SHEPPERD STRUDWICK are a bit too solemn as the rather remote parents and LOUIS CALHERN is allowed a little too many blustery moments as the grandfather living on his past exploits.Summing up: It's the sort of film you wish could have been better, never quite living up to its rich potential.

Bradley Mercer This version of The Red Pony is a Great Film experience for one and all. Robert Mitchum,Myrna Loy,Louis Calhern and Margaret Hamilton all make for an Excellent cast. With An Excellent score,atmospheric shooting and actors who are truly committed to their roles... This film can hardly miss...and it doesn't! Others on this site have complained that "it's not as good as the book". Which is a fair criticism ...if this was the book you were reading,however it's a different form of art than the book this art is the movie.So often what works in a book will not work in a movie. Robert Mitchum is such an underrated actor and he proves that he can hold his own with any of these Great stars featured in this film. His scenes with the little boy are heartwarming. For a touching film that gives you John Steinbeck's story of The Red Pony from a slightly different perspective(with John Steinbeck having authored this script).This film will touch you as well as make you feel like you really know all of these characters(and sympathize with many of them).Also it should be noted that this part of rural America is beautifully captured in this quaint,memorable and very touching film.This is a beautiful film that is not to be missed. I give it a 9.