Stone Fox (1987)

Little Willy must win a dog sled race in order to save his grandfather's cattle ranch.

Director:

Harvey Hart

Writers:

Walter Halsey Davis, John Reynolds Gardiner (book)

Stars:

Buddy Ebsen, Joey Cramer, Belinda Montgomery

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Buddy Ebsen	...	Grandpa
Joey Cramer	...	Willie
Belinda Montgomery	...	Doc Smith
Gordon Tootoosis	...	Stone Fox
Jason Michas	...	Orrin
Joel Dacks	...	Nase
Nikky Jansen	...	Sara Foster
Franklin Johnson	...	Toothless
J.C. Roberts	...	Mayor / Blacksmith (as J.C. 'Jim' Roberts)
Gordon McIntosh	...	Sam Neill
Dale Wilson	...	Mr. Lester
Jerry Wasserman	...	Carson
Frank C. Turner	...	Emil Janssen
Larry Musser	...	Mr. Johnson
Sherry Wells	...	Miss Williams

Storyline

Little Willy must win a dog sled race in order to save his grandfather's cattle ranch.

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Plot Keywords:

cattle | ranch | grandfather | sled | race | 

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Genres:

Western | Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 March 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Treue eines Hundes

Filming Locations:

Fort Edmonton Park - Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Allarcom Limited, Hanna-Barbera Productions, Taft Entertainment Television

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The book was introduced as a screen play, then turned into the book. Then the book was turned into this TV-movie later down the line.

User Reviews

Read the Book

All in all, Stone Fox (the movie) was different from what I expected.

There are way too many changes from the book for my taste. Mainly the differences are minor (the entry fee is $10 instead of $50, there are now 7 racers instead of 9, Willy starts as the middle racer instead of Stone Fox, the kids raise the money instead of Willy spending his savings, and now the prize money is only $150 instead of $500 (yet the video box still says $500, so this may be an error))

However, there are some major changes. First, Willy and Grandpa are now cattle ranchers instead of potato farmers. Second, Grandpa is broke from the harsh winter and not the tax collector. Third, the kids get extended time in the movie.

Basically, the movie changed the story from a "fairy tale" atmosphere about a boy, his love for his dog, the dog's heart and love of the family, the heirarch of the family (grandpa) and his illness, and the nice yet interesting townsfolk into a town affair, along with having a statement about the effect of paying or not paying taxes and are they even necessary. It is less plausable in effect and less heartwarming.

Yes, the book is based off of myth and only the ending is truely known to have happened, but why change the framework of an award winning book that while short (87 pages with pictures)is a much better storyline?

I guess they (the network) had to work that love angle in some how or they didn't want any political fallout on taxes?? (yeah right).

I gave this movie a 5 of 10. Those who have not read the book may rate it higher.