The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

Director:

Jeremy Kagan

Writer:

Jeanne Rosenberg (writer)

Release Date:

27 September 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Family | Adventure

Tagline:

Unforgettably Undeniably Disney

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 | Hobo | Wallet | 1930s | Wolf

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:

Anachronisms: The story takes place in 1935, but in the scene where Natty finds the puppy behind the cinema, the movie poster behind her is for "The Buccaneer" (the name of the film star, Fredric March, can be seen in the close up), which was released in 1938.

Quotes:

Sherman: Oh, no, Natty.
[puppy yips in background]
Sherman: . Do I look like an animal shelter?
Natty Gann: Don't worry, I'll keep this one.
Sherman: That's what you said the last time.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Disneyland: Disney Goes to the Oscars (#30.8)" (1986)

A heartwarming classic

If you haven't seen this yet, go rent it. A heartwarming account of a young girl making her way across the country to get back to her father during the depression. One of the earlier reviews was talking about how all of the bad things that happen to Natty are inappropriate for a disney movie, but I think that those are the things that make this film so great. It is a gritty, realistic, non sugar coated story. The things that are shown to happen to Natty happen every day and have been for many many years. They bring drama and "heart" to the film, and make it what it is. Combine the latter with unbelievable cinematography of America, very good performances, and you are left with a very memorable, timeless film. I only wish that Disney would release it on DVD in widescreen. With such great widescreen nature cinematography, having to repeatedly watch the "chopped up" pan and scan version on vhs is killing me!! If you release it we will buy it!!!