Seven Alone (1974)

A frontier family crosses the U.S. by wagon train, hoping for a better life in the Oregon Territory.

Director:

Earl Bellamy

Writers:

Honore Morrow (book), Douglas C. Stewart (as Douglas Stewart)

Stars:

Dewey Martin, Anne Collings, Aldo Ray

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dewey Martin	...	Henry Sager
Anne Collings	...	Naome Sager
Aldo Ray	...	Dr. Dutch
Dean Smith	...	Kit Carson
James Griffith	...	Billy Shaw
Stewart Petersen	...	John Sager
Dehl Berti	...	White Elk
Bea Morris	...	Sally Shaw
Scott Petersen	...	Francis Sager
Debbie van Orden	...	Catherine Sager
Diane Petersen	...	Matilda Sager
Suzanne Petersen	...	Louisa Sager
Julie Petersen	...	Elizabeth Sager
Christy Clark	...	Anna Sager
Pat Wilde	...	Marcus Whitman

Storyline

A fictionalized account of the real-life adventures of the Sager family. Travelling with a wagon train from Missouri to Oregon, things are going well for them, until Henry dies from blood poisoning following an Indian attack, and Naomi dies soon afterward from pneumonia. The leaders of the wagon train decide to send the children back to Missouri, but the oldest, John (who had been described by all the adults as lazy and worthless), decides to lead his siblings through the wilderness to complete the journey their parents started.

---

Plot Keywords:

wagon train | oregon | missouri | indian attack | snow | 

---

Taglines:

In the year 1843, John Sager, a boy of 13 with his brothers and sisters including an infant set off on one of the most incredible journeys in American history. This is a true account of their hazardous 2000 mile trek along the legendary Oregon trail in pursuit of a dream.

---

Genres:

Adventure | Family | Western

---

Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

John and Francis were killed in the Whitman Massacre near Walla Walla, Washington on 29 November 1847 by Cayuse Indians. The surviving children were kidnapped and held for ransom, with Louisa dying in captivity.

---

Goofs

When the settlers are shown walking beside the wagon train (at around 46 mins) just before reaching Fort Hall, one is wearing a modern green and white horizontal striped shirt.

---

Soundtracks

Only a Dream Away
Music by Robert O. Ragland
Lyric by Arthur Hamilton
Performed by Pat Boone

User Reviews

This is a GREAT movie. Super film for families.

I have no idea why it is rated so poorly. My whole family was glued to the TV. It was very emotionally moving. Yes, some of the acting may be a bit sub-par, but what an inspiring, invigorating tale. If you've got children, they will love it.

And it's not Just For Children. I'm in my 40's and love films including Pulp Fiction and Fargo, but I was totally engrossed by this tale of seven children who refused to give up on their father's dreams. Near the end, I was close to tears as the story got more and more dramatic.

What makes this story so compelling is that it's based on fact. It's great to have a beautiful story that doesn't rely on huge budgets, phony story lines, expensive technology, and computer graphics. This is old fashioned movie making: based on a good story! Be sure to see if you enjoy wholesome, family oriented, adventure.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 December 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

Seven Alone

Filming Locations:

Cokeville, Wyoming, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Doty-Dayton Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1