Common Sense Media Review
By Grace Montgomery
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Book-based movie has quiet charm, some intense scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Side of the Mountain (1969)
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?
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
- In theaters : June 25, 1969
- On DVD or streaming : April 27, 2004
- Cast : Ted Eccles , Theodore Bikel , Tudi Wiggins
- Director : James B. Clark
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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