My Side of the Mountain (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids My Side of the Mountain |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | James B. Clark |
| Produced by | Robert B. Radnitz |
| Screenplay by | Ted Sherdeman Jane Klove Joanna Crawford |
| Starring | Teddy Eccles Theodore Bikel Tudi Wiggins |
| Music by | Wilfred Josephs |
| Cinematography | Denys N. Coop |
| Editing by | Alastair McIntyre Peter Thornton |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
| Release date(s) | June 25, 1969 |
| Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Money made | $2 million (US/ Canada rentals) |
My Side of the Mountain is a 1969 movie that brings to life the popular 1959 book by Jean Craighead George. It was filmed using special techniques called Panavision and Technicolor, which made the picture look really good. James B. Clark was the director of this film.
Contents
The Story of My Side of the Mountain
The movie is about a 12-year-old boy named Sam Gribley, played by Teddy Eccles. Sam loves the ideas of Henry David Thoreau, who believed in living simply and close to nature. When his parents' summer trip plans change, Sam decides to go on his own adventure. He leaves his home in Toronto, Canada, to live by himself in the Canadian wilderness. He wants to see if he can survive on his own and also do an experiment with algae.
Sam's Journey to the Wild
Sam's first friend on his adventure is Gus, his pet raccoon, who usually lives with him in the city. Sam buys some supplies at a local store. Then, he and Gus hop on a bus and head towards what Sam calls "the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec."
However, they actually end up in a beautiful town called Knowlton, Quebec. This town is southeast of Montreal, in the Notre Dame Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains chain. Sam finds a perfect spot with a mountain stream and a pond. He decides to build his new home inside an old, dead tree. Here, he starts his planned algae experiments. He quickly shows that he can live off the land, just like Thoreau, and connect deeply with nature.
A New Friend: Frightful the Falcon
Sam really wants to prove he doesn't need the city or modern things. But one day, he sees a falcon flying overhead. This makes him curious about falconry, which is the art of training falcons to hunt.
Sam goes back to Knowlton and visits the local library. There, he meets Miss Turner (Tudi Wiggins), who is a librarian and loves birds. She gives him books about falconry. Sam then takes a baby falcon from a nearby nest. He names her Frightful. Frightful becomes his new best friend and helps him find food after Sam teaches her how to hunt.
Meeting Bando the Folk Singer
One day, Sam returns to his tree home and finds an older man there. This man is Bando (Theodore Bikel), a traveling folk singer. Bando is exploring the world to find new folk songs and learn about different traditions.
Sam and Bando share their ideas about surviving in the wild. They also share stories and learn from each other. They even enjoy each other's pancake recipes! Sam makes tasty acorn pancakes, and Bando makes wonderful syrup.
Saying Goodbye and Facing Winter
Sam and Bando become good friends during the summer. But as September arrives and the air gets colder, Bando tells Sam he must leave before winter truly begins. They climb a nearby mountain together, and Bando says his goodbyes. Sam feels very lonely after Bando leaves.
Sadly, Frightful is later killed by a hunter. Sam is heartbroken, but he still manages to survive as winter sets in. His spirits lift when he sees the local animals playing in the winter snow. He also has a warm home in his tree, thanks to a chimney he built from clay found near his pond.
A Christmas Surprise and Going Home
One night, Sam and Gus are sleeping by the fire. A terrible blizzard starts, covering their tree home in snow. The smoke fills their shelter, and they realize they could suffocate without fresh air. Panicked, Sam starts digging his way out through the snow-covered doorway.
Luckily, Bando and Miss Turner have decided to visit Sam for Christmas! They arrive just in time and help dig Sam and Gus out of the snow. The four of them celebrate Christmas together. They sing "Good King Wenceslas" while Bando plays his guitar.
Bando shows Sam newspaper articles about his parents being worried about him. Sam realizes he should go home. He knows he has achieved even more than he set out to do. The four friends then head off together around the side of the mountain.
Cast
- Teddy Eccles as Sam Gribley
- Theodore Bikel as Bando
- Tudi Wiggins as Miss Turner
- Paul Hébert as Hunter
- Cosette Lee as Apple Lady
- Ralph Endersby as Boy in Soda Fountain
- George Allan as Boy in Soda Fountain
- Dan McIlravey as Little Boy on Bus
- Frank Perry as Mr. Gribley
- Peggi Loder as Mrs. Gribley
- Karen Pearson as Prudence Gribley
