The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Jeremy Kagan

Writer:

Jeanne Rosenberg (writer)

Release Date:

27 September 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Family | Adventure

Tagline:

With innocence behind her and danger ahead, only courage and love were on her side. [UK]

Plot:

In the 1930s, a tomboyish girl runs away from her guardian to join her single father who is 2,000 miles away, because there was work there.

Plot Keywords:

Train | 1930s | Hobo | Wolf | Personal Quest

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Meredith Salenger	...	Natty Gann
John Cusack	...	Harry
Jed	...	Wolf
Ray Wise	...	Sol Gann
Lainie Kazan	...	Connie
Scatman Crothers	...	Sherman
Barry Miller	...	Parker
Verna Bloom	...	Farm Woman
Bruce M. Fischer	...	Charlie Linfield
John Finnegan	...	Logging Boss
Jack Rader	...	Employment Agent
Matthew Faison	...	Buzz
Jordan Pratt	...	Frankie
Zachary Ansley	...	Louie
Campbell Lane	...	Chicago Moderator

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Singapore:PG | Australia:PG | Finland:K-10 | UK:PG | USA:PG | West Germany:6

Filming Locations:

British Columbia Railway, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Silver Screen Partners II

Trivia:

Only two steam locomotives were used in the filming of this movie. Both steam locomotives are owned by the Province of British Columbia. The first engine which appears in most of the scenes is ex CP #3716. It had its number changed in a few scenes to give the illusion of more locomotives. It is now operational at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland, BC. The other steam locomotive is ex MB #1077 which is now operational at Fort Steele Heritage Town near Cranbrook, BC. #1077 also appeared in Shanghai Noon starring Jackie Chan. Both #3716 and #1077 also appeared together in the movie The Grey Fox about gentleman train robber Bill Miner.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When Wolf disappears into the woods and Natty has no choice but to run after the speeding train (where Harry is already on board), a camera operator's lower body can be seen sitting on a board that seems to be attached to the side of the train.

Quotes:

Natty Gann: [to Harry] You ain't seen Chicago, you ain't seen nothin'.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

One of Disney's Best!!!

I was waiting a long time to see this movie. Part of the reason why was that Disney made a poor decision by releasing this movie in pan and scan on DVD. After several failed attempts to convince Disney to release a widescreen version, I gave up and purchased a region-free DVD player and then purchased the region 2 version which was in widescreen.

All I can say was, it was worth it. Journey of Natty Gann is a wonderful movie and is perhaps one of Disney's best. The cast features Meredith Salenger, John Cusack, Ray Wise and Scatman Crothers who all put in terrific performances (special mention also goes out to Jed the dog who plays Natty's wolf companion). This movies also boasts some incredible outdoor photography and a memorable music score by James Horner.

The story is about a twelve year old girl named Natty (Meredith Salenger) who travels across 1930's America in search of her father. Along the way she has several adventures and meets up with another runaway named Harry (John Cusack).

I definitely recommend seeing this one.