Parents' Guide to

My Side of the Mountain (1969)

By Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Book-based movie has quiet charm, some intense scenes.

Movie G 1969 100 minutes
My Side of the Mountain (1969) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 8+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Huffman4567
Huffman4567 Adult
November 27, 2020
age 9+

A great movie for families

this movie is good for everybody to see children nine and up as well as family members to at this movie is pretty much for everyone to see and enjoy about this boy who goes in and goes on a zone there in the wilderness runs away from home but this movie I highly recommend not just for kids that are nine and up but it’s also for adults to this is a great movie one of the best it was ever made thank you and hope you enjoy this movie if you have not seen it.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
expresstan
expresstan Adult
June 23, 2020
age 8+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Sam (Ted Eccles), a devoted fan of Thoreau and a budding scientist, is angry at his father for canceling a trip to the mountains so he could work on a set of experiments studying algae. Inspired by Thoreau and full of fiery self-reliance, Sam decides to make it on his own and runs away to the wilderness to live off the land for a year and continue his scientific studies. Accompanied by his tame raccoon, Gus, Sam builds a home for himself in a hollow tree and, after a trip into town to glean tips from the librarian (Tudi Wiggins), tames a falcon he names Frightful. But after spending some time with a wandering folk singer, Bando (Theodore Bikel), and facing the harsh reality of a winter living in a tree, Sam starts to question his decision to remain alone and starts to long for the companionship of friends and family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (2):

Although it can feel a bit dated at times, this quiet, thoughtful film is a lovely celebration of boyhood and nature. Along with the book, the film has inspired a generation of kids to take to the outdoors. Ted Eccles is wonderful as Sam, and kids will love the wily Gus and the faithful Frightful. And after watching Sam fiercely fight for independence and self-reliance in the first half of the film, seeing his relationship with Bando reluctantly bloom is a tender treat.

Unlike modern kid flicks, the pacing of this film is quite slow, with much of the focus placed on small details, a style that some kids may find hard to get into. But those with a budding interest in science or the natural world will be fascinated by the plethora of details given about surviving on the land and may be inspired to take a trip outside.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about living in the wilderness. Do you think you could live in the wilderness for a year? How would you do it?

  • Do you know any survival skills? Which skills would you need to live alone in the wilderness?

  • What does Sam learn about companionship during his time alone? Is it important to be around other people? Why, or why not?

  • Have you read the book My Side of the Mountain? How was it different from the movie? How was it the same?

Movie Details

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