Tonka (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tonka |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Lewis R. Foster |
| Produced by | James C. Pratt John Lasseter |
| Written by | David Appel Lewis R. Foster Lillie Hayward |
| Starring | Sal Mineo Philip Carey Jerome Courtland Rafael Campos H.M. Wynant Joy Page Britt Lomond Herbert Rudley Sydney Smith John War Eagle Gregg Martel Slim Pickens Robert 'Buzz' Henry |
| Music by | Oliver Wallace |
| Cinematography | Loyal Griggs |
| Editing by | Ellsworth Hoagland |
| Studio | Walt Disney Productions |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Distribution |
| Release date(s) | December 25, 1958 |
| Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Money made | $2.5 million (est. US/ Canada rentals) |
Tonka is an exciting Walt Disney Western and adventure film from 1958. It tells the story of a special horse named Comanche and the people who cared for him. The movie is based on a book called Comanche: Story of America's Most Heroic Horse by David Appel. The film shows a made-up story about the Native American and U.S. Cavalry owners of this famous horse.
The movie was filmed in Bend, Oregon. It was released by Buena Vista Distribution, which is part of Walt Disney Productions.
About Tonka
This movie is about a young Sioux warrior named White Bull. He finds a wild horse that he names Tonka. Tonka is a very strong and brave horse. White Bull trains Tonka, and they become very close friends.
However, White Bull's cousin, Yellow Bear, is jealous of Tonka. Yellow Bear tries to claim the horse for himself. This leads to a conflict where White Bull loses Tonka. The horse ends up with the U.S. Cavalry.
The Story of Comanche
After Tonka is taken, the horse is renamed Comanche by the U.S. Cavalry. He becomes the horse of Captain Myles Keogh. Comanche is known for his bravery and strength in battle. He is a very special horse to Captain Keogh.
The story builds up to the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. This was a real historical event. Comanche was the only survivor from the U.S. Cavalry side in that battle. The movie shows how Comanche became a symbol of courage.
Meet the Characters
The film features several important characters:
- White Bull (played by Sal Mineo): A young Sioux warrior who first finds and trains the wild horse, Tonka. He loves the horse deeply.
- Captain Myles Keogh (played by Philip Carey): A U.S. Cavalry officer who becomes Comanche's owner after the horse is taken from White Bull.
- General George Custer (played by Britt Lomond): A famous U.S. Army general who leads his troops in the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
- Chief Sitting Bull (played by John War Eagle): A respected leader of the Sioux people.
Filming Locations
The beautiful landscapes of Bend, Oregon were used to film Tonka. The wide-open spaces and natural scenery helped to bring the Western adventure to life on screen. This location helped make the movie look very realistic.
Cast
- Sal Mineo as White Bull
- Philip Carey as Captain Myles Keogh
- Jerome Courtland as Lieutenant Henry Nowlan
- Rafael Campos as Strong Bear
- H. M. Wynant as Yellow Bear
- Joy Page as Prairie Flower
- Britt Lomond as General George Custer
- Herbert Rudley as Captain Frederick Benteen
- Sydney Smith as General Alfred Terry
- John War Eagle as Chief Sitting Bull
- Gregg Martell as Corporal Korn
- Slim Pickens as Ace
- Robert "Buzz" Henry as Lieutenant Crittenden
- Eddie Little Sky as Spotted Tail
