Johnny Tremain (film) facts for kids

Johnny Tremain is an exciting adventure film from 1957 made by Walt Disney Productions. It tells the story of the years leading up to the American Revolution in Boston, Massachusetts. The movie is based on a famous children's book called Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, which won the Newbery Medal in 1944.

This film was the first live-action Disney movie directed by Robert Stevenson. It was first shown in movie theaters, but it was actually made for television. Walt Disney was very interested in color television and filmed his shows in color, even though they were first broadcast in black and white. After its time in theaters, the movie was shown on TV in two parts in 1958, as part of The Wonderful World of Disney.

The film stars Hal Stalmaster as Johnny Tremain, Luana Patten as Priscilla Lapham, Jeff York as James Otis, and Sebastian Cabot as Jonathan Lyte.

The Story of Johnny Tremain

A Young Silversmith's Dream

The movie follows a young boy named Johnny Tremain, who is learning to be a silversmith from Mr. Lapham. Johnny is very talented and dreams of becoming a master silversmith. One day, a rich man named Jonathan Lyte asks Mr. Lapham to make a special sugar basin. Mr. Lapham feels too old for the job, but Johnny believes he can do it.

Johnny tries his best, but he struggles with the design. He asks another famous silversmith, Paul Revere, for advice. Revere gives him a helpful tip. Eager to try the new idea, Johnny works on the Sabbath (a day of rest). Sadly, he has an accident and badly burns his hand. The injury is so severe that he can no longer work as a silversmith.

Joining the Sons of Liberty

With only one usable hand, Johnny finds it hard to get a new job. But his life takes an exciting turn when he is recruited by the Sons of Liberty. This was a secret group of American patriots who were fighting for freedom from British rule. Johnny becomes a messenger for them, secretly delivering important messages about their meetings.

Johnny also learns a surprising secret: he is related to the wealthy Mr. Lyte! He has a special cup with the Lyte family symbol on it as proof. Desperate for money, Johnny goes to Mr. Lyte and shows him the cup. However, Mr. Lyte wrongly thinks Johnny stole it and has him arrested. Luckily, a clever lawyer named Josiah Quincy defends Johnny in court. With the help of Priscilla Lapham, Johnny proves his innocence.

Leading Up to the Revolution

After this, Johnny and the Sons of Liberty become very active in the events that led to the American Revolution. These include the famous Boston Tea Party, where patriots protested British taxes by dumping tea into the harbor. Johnny also takes part in Paul Revere's famous ride, warning colonists that the British soldiers were coming. These events eventually led to the first battles of the war, the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

During the Boston Tea Party, a kind doctor named Dr. Joseph Warren offers to help Johnny with his injured hand. This gives Johnny hope that he might be able to return to his beloved silversmith work one day.

Main Characters and Actors

• Hal Stalmaster as Johnny Tremain, the young silversmith apprentice.
• Luana Patten as Priscilla Lapham, Mr. Lapham's daughter and Johnny's friend.
• Jeff York as James Otis, a leader of the Sons of Liberty.
• Sebastian Cabot as Jonathan Lyte, the wealthy merchant.
• Richard Beymer as Rab Silsbee, Johnny's good friend and fellow patriot.
• Walter Sande as Paul Revere, the famous silversmith and patriot.
• Walter Coy as Dr. Joseph Warren, the doctor who helps Johnny.
• Ralph Clanton as General Gage, the British commander.

Music in the Film

The music for Johnny Tremain was created by George Bruns, with lyrics by Tom Blackburn. The movie features a memorable song called "Liberty Tree." This song was so popular that it was later included on a Disneyland Records album in 1964.

Legacy of the Film

The film Johnny Tremain had a lasting impact on Disney. Walt Disney himself had plans to build a "Liberty Street" in Disneyland theme park. While this specific project didn't happen, the idea later grew into the much larger Liberty Square at Walt Disney World in Florida. This area opened in 1971 and celebrates the American colonial period. A special Southern live oak tree was moved to Liberty Square and became its "Liberty Tree." It has 13 lanterns hanging from it, representing the original 13 American colonies.