Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disney Old West slapstick adventure has outdated depictions.
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The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin
What's the Story?
When Jack (Bryan Russell) learns that his family is poor in THE ADVENTURES OF BULLWHIP GRIFFIN, he decides to runs away to find gold. The family's former -- but loyal -- butler, Eric Griffin (Roddy McDowell), follows him. While on their quest, the duo come face-to-face with the dastardly Judge Higgins (Karl Malden), who'll do anything to make his fortune.
Is It Any Good?
The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin is a solid children's Western with inspired comic flourishes that occasionally overreaches with some other aspects of its humor. The sped-up action sequences in particular make the film feel dated. The movie builds on the Western craze from the '50s and '60s that saw cowboys on movie theater and TV screens every week, which sets the stage for the adventure to unfold. McDowell is charming as Griffin, the proud and loyal butler who is devoted to his work, while Malden is devilish as Judge Higgins. There are a few surprises along the way, and the story is for the most part well paced, with animated cutscenes and a narrative song to fill in time gaps. That pace slows toward the end of the movie and the climactic boxing match starts to drag.
It's a spirited movie, though, and attractive too, with lavish costumes and sets complementing the dedicated cast's enthusiastic performances across the board. Suzanne Pleshette in particular gives a great performance as the headstrong and independent Arabella Flagg. While the movie has, in recent times, been edited to remove some culturally insensitive references, two remain. Although they are integral to the plot, they do the movie no favors in feeling old and out of step with what's acceptable today. While it's not an essential movie -- see our Westerns for Kids and Teens list for the best in the genre -- it is a sturdy, easy-to-watch adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the cultural representations in The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin. Why might they be considered problematic? Does the fact that the movie was made in the 1960s excuse them? Tips for battling stereotypes.
Discuss the violence in the movie. Did the fact that it was slapstick change how you felt about it? How did the action compare with that in movies today?
Griffin is proud to be a butler and gives his all, earning a terrific reputation, despite the role being seen as lowly by Jack. Why is it important to take pride in your work?
The Gold Rush in the 1800s helped establish the California of today. What is the history of your own town?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 8, 1967
- On DVD or streaming : April 12, 2005
- Cast : Roddy McDowall , Suzanne Pleshette , Karl Malden
- Director : James Neilson
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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