Johnny Tremain (1957)

Johnny Tremain is drawn into the Revolutionary War, and becomes a patriot fighting to free the colonies from England. Along the way he learns about life and about himself.

Director:

Robert Stevenson

Writers:

Thomas W. Blackburn (screenplay) (as Tom Blackburn), Esther Forbes (book)

Stars:

Hal Stalmaster, Luana Patten, Jeff York

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Hal Stalmaster	...	Johnny Tremain
Luana Patten	...	Priscilla Lapham
Jeff York	...	James Otis
Sebastian Cabot	...	Jonathan Lyte
Richard Beymer	...	Rab Silsbee (as Dick Beymer)
Rusty Lane	...	Samuel Adams
Walter Sande	...	Paul Revere
Whit Bissell	...	Josiah Quincy
Walter Coy	...	Dr. Joseph Warren
Will Wright	...	Ephraim Lapham
Virginia Christine	...	Mrs. Lapham
Ralph Clanton	...	Gen. Gage
Lumsden Hare	...	Adm. Montagu
Gavin Gordon	...	Col. Smith
Geoffrey Toone	...	Maj. Pitcairn

Storyline

In colonial Boston, a young silversmith's apprentice injures his hand, and finds himself befriended by the Sons of Liberty and caught up in events of the American Revolution.

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Plot Keywords:

colonial america | character name as title | massachusetts | province of massachusetts bay | thirteen colonies | 

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Taglines:

Run ... Johnny ... Run !

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Genres:

Adventure | Family | History | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

As a result of this film, Walt Disney planned to add a new theme area, Liberty Square, to Disneyland in California. The project didn't go through, but after Walt's death, Liberty Square was included in Walt Disney World in Florida.

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Goofs

In the Battle of Lexington, John Parker, the Captain of the Lexington militia, who tells his soldiers, "If they want a war, let it begin here," is shown being hit by a British shot and killed in the battle. In real life, John Parker was not killed in the Battle of Lexington, but died of tuberculosis four months later. His cousin, Jonas Parker, was killed in the battle.

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Quotes

Ship Captain: [During the Tea Party] Isn't it odd? These Indians seem to prefer principles to profits.

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Connections

Edited into The Magical World of Disney: Johnny Tremain: Part 2 (1958)

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Soundtracks

Johnny Tremain
Written by George Bruns and Thomas W. Blackburn (as Tom Blackburn)

User Reviews

The exciting and thrilling story of the brave patriots that participated in the American independence

The true story of the gallant American patriots that took part in the American Revolution . The film being dedicated to the youth of the world. Set in 1773 Boston when the valiant patriots participated in the Boston Tea Party, this deed signed the initiation of American war of independence . Based correctly on historical events with inclusion of various known happenings, as the notorious feat carried out by Paul Revere .Well recreated the beginning hostilities in April 19, 1775, skirmishes among the British troops and the colonial militia in Lexington and Concord. The first battle of the American war was in Lexington , Northwest of Boston .Anticipating a rebellion , general Thomas Gage sent 800 troops to seize stores at Concord and arrest John Hancock and John Adams , two prominent American rebels. An advance party encountered a party of about 50 minutemen , American rebel militia , on Lexington . They refused to disperse when ordered to do so, and then Brits to open fire . 8 Minutemen were killed and the remainder retired . Fervent patriots against redcoats were led by Salomón Chandler .The British party turned back for Concord and was later ambushed , it was only saved by reinforcements sent out from Concord . The total losses in two actions were 73 British troops killed and 174 wounded , 49 Americans killed and 39 wounded . While Johnny Tremain , Hal Stalsmaster , is drawn into the war . Along the way , he falls for a beautiful girl , Luana Patten , befriends a Revolutionary young , Richard Beymer , and learns about life, being caught up in the dangerous events of the revolution . As he joins the Sons of Liberty, a group of colonists who get together secretly and scheme their strategies against the tyrannical British rule.

The picture is a good adaptation upon the notorious historic events, being colorfully shot with great cinematograpy by Charles Boyle and rousing musical score by George Bruns . Directed with tenderness and carefully cast and appealing to history aficionados and sentimental susceptibilities . In the movie appears several historical characters as Samuel Adams , Paul Revere, Otis , Josiah Quincy, Joseph Warren , all of them played by notorious actors. The motion picture was well directed by Robert Stevenson . He was a fine craftsman from Walt Disney studio who made several movies and hits , such as Mary Poppins, The darn cat , Monkey's uncle , Gnome Mobile , BlackBeard ghost, The love bug , My dog the thief , The Island at the top of the world, Our Dinosaurio is missing , The shaggy DA, In search of castaways, Herbie rides again , Old Yeller, Kidnapped, Darby O'Gill, Bednobs and broomsticks, among others. The flick will appeal to American history buffs.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 June 1957 (USA)

Also Known As:

Johnny Tremain

Filming Locations:

Disney Studios, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1