Huckleberry Finn (1974)

Director:

J. Lee Thompson

Writers:

Mark Twain (novel)
Robert B. Sherman (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

24 May 1974 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Musical

Tagline:

The Greatest Of All American Adventure Stories.

Plot:

Huckleberry Finn, a rambuctious boy adventurer chafing under the bonds of civilization, escapes his humdrum world and his selfish...

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel | Character Name In Title

Cast

Jeff East	...	Huckleberry Finn
Paul Winfield	...	Jim
Harvey Korman	...	The King
David Wayne	...	The Duke
Arthur O'Connell	...	Col. Grangerford
Gary Merrill	...	Pap
Natalie Trundy	...	Mrs. Loftus
Lucille Benson	...	Widder Douglas
Kim O'Brien	...	Maryjane Wilks
Jean Fay	...	Susan Wilks
Ruby Leftwich	...	Miss Watson
Odessa Cleveland	...	Jim's Wife
Joe Boris	...	Jason
Danny Lantrip	...	Kyle
Van Bennett	...	Wayne

Also Known As:

Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn: A Musical Adaptation (UK) (TV title) (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

118 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Sweden:Btl | USA:G

Filming Locations:

Arrow Rock, Missouri, USA

Company:

Reader's Digest

Trivia:

Odessa Cleveland's movie debut.

Movie Connections:

Version of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1955) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Freedom

Unexpectedly delightful

A forgotten relic from the early '70s, when shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons" all reflected our yearning for a so-called simpler, less complicated era. This adaptation, while not entirely faithful to the book, captures its essential themes and spirit rather well. There are some technical problems (the lighting always seem to be half in shadow, whether it's night or day!) and its kiddie-friendly tone seems at odds during the Grangerfords/Shepherdsons sequence, wherein we see men being shot and killed right on camera--and it's handled rather lightly. Parents should also be warned that this adaptation does have some strong language--it has not been sanitized, notwithstanding its G rating.

In addition, the musical format sits much more uneasily with this movie than with the superior "Tom Sawyer" (from the year before, with many of the same cast members and production staff). However, as oddly as some numbers come off, others are wonderful, such as the clever, dixie-ish "Cairo, Illinois," a duet between Huck and Jim that kicks off their great journey together. The jaunty title song and the lovely anthem "Freedom" also showcase the movie and its themes beautifully--especially during "Freedom"'s reprise, as Huck, the boy/man run away, gazes after Jim making his way downriver. Performances are generally strong--Jeff East could've been a better singer but his performance is so sincere and authentic, you hardly notice. Likewise his bond with Jim (well-portrayed by the late Paul Winfield) comes through nicely, most especially in their final, very moving scene together. Harvey Korman and David Wayne also deliver terrific turns as the King and the Duke, respectively.

Cinematography is *gorgeous*--the DP took full advantage of the location shoot, with some beautiful silhouette shots. Although its prequel is far better (you simply cannot top "Tom Sawyer"'s terrific score and thoroughbred cast), Mark Twain's quintessential Great American novel is reasonably well-served here, if not transcendently.