Across the Great Divide (1976) User Reviews

Family oriented adventure offering gorgeous and spectacular scenarios

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 24 August 2019]

Two orphans, Heather Rattray, Mark Hall, must cross the Great Divide, the rugged snow-covered Rocky Mountains in 1876 in order to reclaim their inheritance, a 400 acre plot of lands in Salem, Oregon . Along the way they are helped by a roguish card player, Robert F Logan. They soon find that nature may be very harsh and dangerous. All of them seeking escape of bandits, George Buck Flowers and others, Indians and a hunger as well a huge bear pursuing them .At the end takes place an amusing card game between the expert card player, Robert Logan, and the ingenuous outlaw, George Buck Flower, that results in unexpected consequences.

An enjoyable family fare with majestic scenario. A predictable retreat of previous film from Wilderness Family saga, but more good family adventure drama. This is a pleasant and agreeable coming-of-age story in which a pair of waifs find trouble in paradise, this makes a half-hearted attempt to break away from the triteness of the Walt Disney stereotype, before succumbing to a catalogue of savageries and beauties of nature. The picture spends time promising interesting tensions between the independient children and the rogue drifter, before dumping them on the wilderness to find savage animals in exemplary Baden-Powell fashion and the little girl results to be the better provider, while attempting to escape of Indians.

It contains a colorful and wonderful cinematography, including breathtaking outdoors. And a sensitive and touching musical score by Angelo Baladamenti, David Lynch usual. This fairly formulary children adventure was well directed by Stewart Raffil. He is a fine craftsman who has directed several films of all kinds of genres as Grizzly Falls, Tammy and T-Rex, Mannequin 2, Mac and me, Ice pirates, The Philadelphia experiment and other films in similar style to Across the Great Divide : Sea gypsies, The adventures of the wilderness family, When the north wind blows. Rating 6.5/10. Decent adventure movie for the youngest viewers.

Beautiful scenery and animals

[swampmutt · 7/10 · 16 March 2006]

This is a good film for family or an easy watch. The plot is not very compelling and the acting is remote. However, this was filmed in Utah and Canada, and the critters are very present, often at odds to the desires of the main party. The wolf scene is quite dramatic. Obviously the film makers were equipped to shoot outdoors as the colors and details are quite good for the time period. About 3/4 of the way through the movie, the party passes a lake. I am guessing it is the famous Peyto Lake in Canada's Banff NP, a truly spectacular place. If you like a wholesome movie, with lots of critters and big wild lands this movie is worth a view. Nice dog, too!

Has a Disney-like Feel

[gtroup · 6/10 · 9 September 2019]

Watched this in HD recently and enjoyed it with some reservations. It has the feel of a Disney family movie. There are plenty of adventures in the wilderness with bears, mountain lions, natives and hunters. The acting is good and development of the three main characters is not rushed. The scenery is beautiful and it looked to me like most of it was in the Canadian Rockies.

Another reviewer commented that the ending is rushed and I agree. The whole reason they are heading to Oregon is not concluded, and I guess we are left to assume they were going to achieve their goal. I would rather have seen a couple less mishaps in their journey and a more complete ending.

But all in all it is a decent family, feel good movie.

Good family film

[gee-15 · 12 September 2001]

Plot: A professional gambler on the run stumbles across and eventually joins up with two orphaned children on their way to Oregon.

Good stuff: The film has some amazing scenery and even more amazing scenes with animals. The performance by the actress playing the older sister is pretty good and there is some nice dramatic tension between her and Robert Logan's character. The card game between Logan and the horse traders was pretty amusing.

Bad stuff: I thought the film ended rather abruptly. While there is a resolution of sorts, it would have been interesting if the film could have gone on for maybe another 15 minutes. In addition, Robert Logan seems far too pleasant to play the self-centered gambler character.

Overall, not a great film, but one good enough to keep your attention and the attention of the kids.

Action entertainment with a good heart.

[The_Invisible_Dog · 7/10 · 12 May 2023]

A family Western adventure. All shot on location. Two orphans (feisty older girl and her younger brother) team up with cheeky con-man on the run (think James Garner meets Michael Landon) for a mission across the mountains in order to claim their (the kids') inheritance. It's a loose set-up that provides an excuse for all the classic Western thrills and spills that follow. A warm and friendly film with beautiful locations (Utah and Alberta, Canada). There's lots of animal scenes with bears, wolves, mountain lion/cougars in pursuit, even otters make a jovial appearance, not to mention their brave and faithful dog who accompanies them all the way. They meet (and stay a while) with Natives. It's an idealised west where the hero just happens to be able to speak the Native tongue. But that's ok, we need this kind of friendly film in the world. Especially in the way that is so distinct to the late 70s (eg - Grizzly Adams) where kids and animals run in slo-mo through long grass to warm sunset country-soul music. It's old-school Disney live-action style but it's miles better than, say, The Apple Dumpling Gang. A good one to show kids as an intro to Westerns etc. Seek the restored version which looks fantastic (eg - on amazon prime video)

Great Family Movie

[gqiy · 7/10 · 2 March 2021]

Considering Roger Ebert's review of Dances With Wolves, pointing out the Indians speak their own language instead of English with an accent, this movie did it waaay before and in a family friendly way. The Indians are kind to the family and help them. Not at all the usual evil movie Indians. The stranger who helps the kids grows into a better person. Very sweet I would say. Not 2020 Hollywood standards but lovely family fare.

The great divide between people takes on new challenges.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 22 April 2020]

A charming conman (Robert Logan) stalks two orphaned teenagers (Heather Rattray and Mark Edward Hall) who are on their way to collect on inheritance acrost The great divide and ends up becoming their guide in this extremely enjoyable family adventure. A very unique western, this focuses more on nature and survival skills than typical western plot elements, which means that the group will encounter various wildlife and natural challenges rather than what was usually presented in westerns. They also encounter some native Americans, but these aren't your typical western versions of the tribes of the west. Along the way, there's also a very aggressive bear, two bobcats and a den of wolves who surround Rattray and Hall, basically sizing them up before they pounce. Accompanying the group are two full-grown horses, a happy pony and a playful dog who often gets to become the hero. There's also a vigilante party on Logan's trail and a group of hicks who demand that Logan play cards with them. I could have dealt without human element other than the native Americans because they really add nothing to the plot that brings any dignity to the film.

The scenery is gorgeous, majestic and breathtaking, but obviously fraught with danger and certainly filled with challenges that most humans couldn't handle. the first group of native Americans they encounter are a group of young hunters who seemingly approach the two kids just for a fun distraction, and the second group comes along when Logan heroically tries to save one of the braves from an attacking bear. witnessing this, the chief brings them back to his tribe to sank them with hospitality, but the chief is disgusted when Logan involves the braves by teaching them how to play cards.

Rattray and Hall find a delightful romp in the mountains with a young Indian boy who shows them the joy of the various wildlife he has befriended, so you get to see the two white children dealing with a baby deer, a friendly eagle, some bobcat kittens and a badger who plays water games with the dog. The natives seem to have absolutely no fear of this group of white people so in spite of the language barrier, the encounter is friendly and educational for both, at least up until the unfortunate card game. Overall, the film is pleasant, fast-moving, and one I would have loved to have seen on the big screen when it first came out.

It's like Oregon Trail the movie.

[blackismylove · 8/10 · 15 August 2009]

And I LOVED that game growing up. I just watched this movie for the first time since the early 90's. Across the great Divide is proof that you don't need huge budgets or big stars in order for a movie to be good. The movie starts off with 2 children who need to cross the wilderness to claim their land inheritance meet a gambler on the run. Together they face natures obstacles in order to reach their destination. Granted, there were a few parts that were pretty predictable as to what was going to happen next. But all in all, it was a great little film to watch whether its in a family setting, or just by yourself.

Wholesome fare

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 7 August 2020]

ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE is another feelgood outdoorsy adventure from the team who brought you THE ADVENTURES OF THE WILDERNESS FAMILY, and it even shares much of the same cast. It's a straightforward adventure narrative, based around the classic 'Oregon Trail' template, as a couple of precocious kids decide to cross the Rocky Mountains in order to start a new life in the west. Along the way they hook up with a drifter and partake in the usual adventures involving attacking bears and the vagaries of nature. Not exactly a great movie, very much of its era, but the wholesomeness makes it a good one for the kids.

Stunning scenery, fun family flick.

[flikflak · 9/10 · 8 February 2002]

In 1976, at the height of the John Denver phenomenon, all us college kids flocked to the theatres to see the awesome Rocky Mountain scenery. The story did not appeal nearly as much then, as it does now, watching my kids watch it. In midlife I have come to enjoy it in totality. The scenes (Utah and British Columbia) are breathtaking. The child actors are spunky and yet charming. Logan is inimitable in his mannerisms. After a while you are drawn into the situation as though you are part of it. Sit down with the kids or grandkids and enjoy it over and over.

Maybe, but I don't think so!!!

[neobowler · 4/10 · 2 November 2002]

I guess you could watch this with your family, but it won't be enjoyed too much. The movie is slow and boring. Whenever it has something with the potential to be interesting, it ruins it somehow. The movie wasn't well acted, but you couldn't expect much I guess! 2 out of 5

A little fun for everyone

[zoodlepepsee · 9/10 · 5 July 2013]

An acceptable story line about two orphaned kids who reluctantly accept the assistance of a nice guy gambler on the run from past misfortune. Through trials and dangers a bond is formed between these likable characters. I rate this movie high simply for the good feeling you get watching it. Some of the animal scenes are completely unrealistic (a grizzly outdone by everyone including a few kids) but this seems to be the norm with these types of movies. It's also my peeve in the Genre but one must be capable of a more emotional response to fully appreciate what is being said in a film like this. Cue the imagination. What the movie gives up in "believability", regarding the animal scenes, it more than makes up for in filming locations. I was surprised to see the Peyto lake scenes as this is a very rugged and remote area of Alberta to shoot. Some real hiking may have been necessary for these shots but they are spectacular. A few good stunts; like a man and cougar fall from a cliff, add to the appeal. Overall, this is "feel good" 70's movie material.

Excellent movie - one that stands the test of time!

[g3267 · 10/10 · 29 June 2005]

I love this movie! Great shots of our Canadian mountain ranges, and an excellent family movie! It's true you either like this movie or hate it, but it's full of great lines from all three major characters. Storyline: (promise no spoilers :-) Zachariah Coop is a gambler on the run when he comes across two stranded kids. Holly and Jason Smith have been abandoned on the trail by a lowdown guide while on their way to inherit a farm and save it from the clenches of their mean old stingy Uncle. After unsuccessfully stealing (really, he was just borrowing :-) their horse, Mr. Coop tries to make peace with the kids. After saving Jason from a watery death the three began their journey together through the pass. Facing bears, wolves, friendly Indians, scoundrels and not just one, but two cougars a long lasting and sure to be interesting friendship is forged! Filled with a memorable soundtrack (the title track will stick with you, believe me) this movie represents some of the better non-Disney flicks around. Plus, Robert Logan at his best - so things happen in three's to him...(for those who don't know, Logan's characters never get into just one mess, but three or four at one time!) The chemistry between Rattray and Logan is very well played out. This would have been a great TV series...

Trust out of necessity

[scottshirey-877-567866 · 9/10 · 22 December 2013]

My mother took me to see this movie at the theater when I was 10 years old, and it is one of my all-time favorites. It has all the elements that make movies great: soothing music, breath-taking scenery, suspense, humor, and adventure. Right from the start you are drawn into the movie by the charm of Zachariah Coop, a trickster by trade. While running from the mischief he stirred up at his last gig, meets up with two kids who are in need of some adult help and protection to see them safely over the mountains. After the unfortunate timing of their meeting, they struggle to regain each other's trust, which they know is the only way they will be able make it. The wolf scene was incredible. The director should have won awards for that.

The way good family films used to be made

[christophaskell · 20 September 2003]

Holly and Jason Smith (Heather Rattray and Mark Edward Hall, respectively) are a brother/sister combo out on the open trail. Trying to get to Oregon before their miserly uncle claims some land that is rightfully theirs, the kids run across a kind-hearted gambler, Zachariah Coop (Robert Logan). Although they get off to a rocky start, their relationship together grows out of necessity of their dependence on each other. They slowly learn to trust one another, and as a team make steady progress to Oregon. Director Raffill has directed quite a few of the outdoor, family adventure films as of late, and his love for nature shines through his lens. `Across the Great Divide' had a few gratuitous `fear for your life' moments, but definitely holds its own against other outdoor adventure films made in the 1970's. For viewers looking for films with good morals, this also has lessons learned out the wazoo. Rating: 25/40

Unrealistic, but fun, treck across the Canadian Rockies, with its dangers.

[weezeralfalfa · 8/10 · 30 June 2018]

Not to be confused with the1951 western "Along the Great Divide" nor with the rather similar "The Adventures of the Wilderness Family", which came out the year before, with the same producer(Arthur Dubs) and director(Stewart Raffill) and same male lead((Robert Logan). I would say this film is more interesting than the prior film. It features a friendly runaway crooked gambler(Logan as Coop), being chased by an angry party. He encounters a couple of kids(perhaps 11y.o. Holly Smith and her perhaps 7y.o. brother Jason) said to be on their way to Oregon to claim a 400acre farm. Everyone seems woefully prepared to survive such a trek! Virtually nothing is said about food, through the film. They shot one deer, but had to give it up due to interference by a bear. This was the first of 3 life-threatening encounters with a grizzly. They are also attacked by a partially grown cougar and by a pack of howling wolves. Of course, they suffer minimal injuries, in ferocious-looking encounters. Don't know how they staged these? In between, there are various non-threatening encounters with wildlife, especially young animals. Their dog sometimes plays with them, including a herd of bison. At one point, they encounter a friendly Indian tribe and spend a night with them. They maneuver a canoe through some rapids, before ditching it. Now, they need horses again. They happen upon a group of trappers with some extra horses. They try to buy 2, but lack enough money for one. Thus, Coop suggests a card game. With trickery, he keeps winning, until they have enough money for the 2 horses. Unfortunately, the mountain men are sore losers, and are ready to dispatch Coop when Holly comes to the rescue.......In all, a great family picture especially for kids, who can identify with the kids in the film and be wowed by the animal encounters. The majestic mountain scenery and verdant foreground make for a relaxing environment between animal emergencies.

A Great Family Movie

[garyldibert · 9/10 · 13 February 2007]

Starring: Across the Great Divide is a 1976 film that stars Robert Logan, Heather Rattray, and George Buck Flower. The film was shot on location in Utah and Canada. The movie is rated G in the

Summary: From the producer of the Wilderness Family series comes a film about two orphaned youngsters set out to claim their rightful inheritance-a 400-acre plot of land in Salem Oregon. To do so necessitates their crossing the rugged snow covered Colorado Rocky Mountains in the 1876. On their Journey, these pioneer children cross paths with Zachariah Coop, an irresistible film-flam man. They were friends of fate…an unlikely combination of frontier trickery and pioneer innocence. The children did not always approve of Zach's way, but he was their only hope. Together this unlikely threesome, through companionship and love, struggle to survive an incredible journey. They face perilous dangers and challenges of the wilderness and gain the mutual respect of the Blackfoot Indians. It is much more than a dynamic outdoor adventure story about man against nature for it is human nature-of relationships and their tenacious hold on to their dream.

Questions: Why did the kids join MR Coop? What kind of hazards did the kids have to deal with? Do the kids make it where there trying to?

My Thoughts: This was the first of three films that Heather Rattray did with Robert Logan and Rattray when on years later to play Victoria Newman on the Young and The Restless Soap Opera. The movie it's self I would give a six however, when you add in the country and its beauty through out the movie then this movie jumps to a 9.

Refreshing! Good story & acting

[cartri · 9/10 · 5 December 2020]

Refreshing; good story and acting. Would like more of this. Had to go back to 1976 to find a good adventure!