Big Red (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Red |
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| Directed by | Norman Tokar |
| Produced by | Walt Disney |
| Written by | Jim Kjelgaard (novel) Louis Pelletier |
| Starring | Walter Pidgeon Gilles Payant Émile Genest |
| Music by | Songs: Richard M. Sherman Robert B. Sherman Score: Oliver Wallace |
| Cinematography | Edward Colman |
| Editing by | Grant K. Smith |
| Studio | Walt Disney Productions |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Distribution |
| Release date(s) | June 6, 1962 |
| Running time | 89 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Big Red is a heartwarming adventure film from 1962, made by Disney. It's based on a book by Jim Kjelgaard and stars Walter Pidgeon. The story is about a beautiful Irish Setter dog named Big Red. He loves running free in the woods. But his owner, Mr. Haggin, wants him to be a perfect show dog. A young orphan boy, Rene, helps care for Big Red. He doesn't like how strict Mr. Haggin is with the dog. The movie was filmed in the beautiful province of Quebec, Canada.
Contents
The Story of Big Red
This section tells you more about the exciting journey of Big Red.
Big Red Meets Rene
Big Red is a champion Irish Setter. His new owner, Mr. Haggin, wants him to be a top show dog. Mr. Haggin hires Rene, a young orphan boy, to help care for his dogs. Rene quickly forms a special bond with Big Red. The dog starts to love and respect Rene more than anyone else.
A Difficult Separation
Mr. Haggin notices that Big Red sees Rene as his true master. This makes Mr. Haggin upset. He separates them and tells Rene he cannot see Big Red anymore. Rene asks Emile, another dog handler, why he can't see Red. Emile explains that Big Red must obey Mr. Haggin to win dog shows. If Big Red doesn't win, Mr. Haggin plans to sell him.
Rene desperately wants to say goodbye to Big Red. When Emile refuses, Rene waits until dark. He goes to Big Red's window and quietly says goodbye. Big Red tries to get out of the house to follow Rene. He jumps through a window, getting cut by the glass.
Rene's Brave Rescue
Big Red is injured, and Mr. Haggin considers putting him to sleep. But when Emile returns, Big Red is gone! Rene has taken the injured dog to his secret cabin deep in the woods. Rene cares for Big Red, helping him heal. Once Big Red is well, Rene brings him back to Mr. Haggin. Mr. Haggin offers Rene his job back, but Rene refuses.
New Plans for Big Red
Mr. Haggin sees Big Red's scars. He knows Big Red can no longer be a show dog. He first thinks about using Big Red for breeding. Then, he changes his mind. He decides to sell Big Red and another dog, Molly, that he bought for breeding.
On the train, Big Red and Molly manage to escape! When Rene hears they are gone, he sets out to find them. He eventually finds Molly, who has given birth to puppies in a hidden den.
A Dangerous Encounter and a New Home
Mr. Haggin goes looking for Rene. He has a scary encounter with a mountain lion. Rene, Big Red, and Molly help save Mr. Haggin from the wild animal. After this adventure, Mr. Haggin makes a deal with Rene. He invites Rene to come and live with him. Rene can also keep Big Red, Molly, and the puppies. Rene agrees, and they all go home together.
Meet the Cast
Here are the main actors who brought the characters to life:
- Walter Pidgeon played James Haggin, the strict owner.
- Gilles Payant played Rene Dumont, the kind orphan boy.
- Émile Genest played Emile Fornet, the dog handler.
- Janette Bertrand played Therese Fornet.
- Georges Bouvier played the Baggageman.
- Doris Lussier played Farmer Mariot.
- Rolland Bedard played the Conductor.
- Teddy Burns Goulet played the Engineer.
