Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
1970s Disney family drama has some mild threat and violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hacksaw
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HACKSAW, teenager Sue (Susan Bracken) and her father, Olney (George Barrows), vacation on a horse ranch in the Rocky Mountains, where they hear of a beautiful wild stallion called Hacksaw. When Sue sets eyes on him, she develops a plan with cowboy Tim (Tab Hunter) to capture the horse to bring him back to the ranch. As they discover Hacksaw really is as unrideable as his reputation, Tim tries his hand at chuck wagon racing -- but can this wild horse really be tamed?
Is It Any Good?
The beautiful cinematography often takes center stage in this equine mountain drama, with sweeping shots across the Rockies in keeping with its leisurely pace. Hacksaw's story itself is quite slight: wild horse is captured, can't be ridden, so is led into chuck wagon racing. But it is gentle and well-meaning with positive messages that never feel too heavy handed.
Bracken is likable and energetic as teenager Sue, bringing a slight Calamity Jane-like bolster to some of her physical comedy, while Hunter is reliably charming as the down-to-earth cowboy, his teen idol spark only slightly dulled by his 40 years. Solid Disney fare, Hacksaw never quite musters the excitement of some of its peers. But it tells a harmless story well enough to appeal to families who are willing to be patient with it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how men and women are presented in Hacksaw. In what ways is gender discussed? How did Sue challenge people's preconceptions about her?
The movie shows the importance of perseverance. Why do you think it's such an important character strength to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown perseverance in your own life?
Talk about the levels of peril and violence in the movie. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Cowboy films have a problematic history with their representation of Native American characters. How did this movie compare? What did it do right/wrong?
Discuss the animals in the movie. Is it ethical to train animals to perform in movies? How can we be assured that no animals were hurt or caused distress during the filming of movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 26, 1971
- On DVD or streaming : March 1, 2013
- Cast : Tab Hunter , Susan Bracken , Victor Millan
- Director : Larry Lansburgh
- Studios : Disney Channel Original Movies , Disney+
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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