The Wild Country facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Wild Country |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Robert Totten |
| Produced by | Ron Miller |
| Written by | Calvin Clements Jr. Paul Savage |
| Starring | Steve Forrest Vera Miles |
| Music by | Robert F. Brunner |
| Cinematography | Frank V. Phillips |
| Editing by | Robert Stafford |
| Studio | Walt Disney Productions |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Distribution |
| Release date(s) | December 15, 1970 |
| Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Money made | $4 million (rentals) (US/Canada) |
The Wild Country is an exciting adventure film from 1970. It was made by Walt Disney Productions. The movie stars Steve Forrest and Vera Miles. It tells a story based on the book Little Britches by Ralph Moody. The film was first shown in theaters on January 20, 1971.
Contents
The Story of the Tanner Family
Moving to the Wild West
The story takes place in the late 1880s. The Tanner family, Jim, Kate, and their sons Virgil and Andrew, move from Pittsburgh. They travel all the way to a new farm in Wyoming. When they arrive, they find their new ranch is in very bad shape. It needs a lot of work to fix it up.
A Problem with Water
Jim soon learns about a big problem. The water for his land comes from a source on a powerful rancher's property. This rancher is named Ab Cross. This means Jim needs Ab's permission to use the water. Ab is not helpful and lets his cattle graze on the Tanner's land. Jim tries to tell Ab he will go to court. But Ab just laughs and says there are no real laws in their area.
The Fight for Their Home
Ab finds out Jim is trying to contact the marshal. The marshal is like a sheriff, far away in Cheyenne. Jim and Ab get into a fight. Jim gets hurt, but Ab is knocked out. To get back at Jim, Ab orders his men to block the water. This cuts off the Tanner family's water supply completely.
Virgil tries to unblock the water flow. While Jim is saving his son from Ab's men, Jim gets shot in the leg. Soon after, a big storm called a cyclone hits the ranch. It causes a lot of damage. Kate wants to move the family back East. But Jim and Virgil convince her to stay and keep trying.
Help Arrives
Not long after, the marshal finally arrives. He brings a court order. This order tells Ab that he must open the dam. That night, the Tanners are celebrating. But then they realize their barn is on fire! As they try to put out the flames, Ab rides up on his horse. He shoots Jim and pushes Kate away. Ab tries to hurt Jim again. But Virgil quickly steps in to protect his family.
After this, Ab's men feel bad about what happened. They promise to help rebuild the barn. Finally, the Tanner family is free to live peacefully. They can now truly be ranchers in their new home.
Meet the Characters
- Steve Forrest as Jim Tanner
- Vera Miles as Kate Tanner
- Ron Howard as Virgil Tanner (credited as Ronny Howard)
- Clint Howard as Andrew Tanner
- Dub Taylor as Phil
- Jack Elam as Thompson
- Frank de Kova as Two Dog
- Morgan Woodward as Ab Cross
- Woodrow Chambliss as Dakota
- Karl Swenson as Jensen
- Mills Watson as Feathers
