When Zachary Beaver Came to Town facts for kids
Quick facts for kids When Zachary Beaver Came to Town |
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| Directed by | John Schultz |
| Produced by | Michael Corrente Amy Robinson Jay Julien |
| Screenplay by | John Schultz |
| Starring | Sasha Joseph Neulinger Jonathan Lipnicki Cody Linley Jesse Plemons Jane Krakowski Eric Stoltz |
| Music by | Richard Gibbs |
| Cinematography | Shawn Maurer |
| Editing by | John Pace |
| Studio | Revere Pictures |
| Distributed by | Echo Bridge Home Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | October 9, 2003 |
| Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $3 million |
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town is a heartwarming comedy-drama movie from 2003. It was directed by John Schultz and stars Jonathan Lipnicki and Cody Linley. The film is based on a popular children's book by Kimberly Willis Holt, which even won a special award called the National Book Award. This story is all about friendship, growing up, and finding your place in the world.
Contents
Discovering Friendship in a Small Town
The story begins in the quiet town of Granger, Texas, during a summer that changes everything for Toby Wilson. Toby (Jonathan Lipnicki) lives with his parents. One day, his mother leaves for Nashville to follow her dream of becoming a singer.
Soon after, Toby and his best friend, Cal McKnight (Cody Linley), meet a very unusual person. His name is Zachary Beaver (Sasha Neulinger), and he is part of a traveling sideshow. Zachary is known as "The Fattest Boy Ever." He lives in a small, shiny silver trailer. His guardian, Paulie Rankin, leaves him alone to find new acts for their circus.
Toby and Cal get to know Zachary. Slowly, they become good friends with him. They learn that Zachary doesn't have any parents or friends, and he feels very alone.
Dealing with Challenges and Growing Up
During this summer, Toby and Cal face some tough times. Cal's older brother, Wayne, goes off to fight in the Vietnam War. Later, they receive sad news that Wayne has died, which leaves Cal heartbroken.
Toby had been secretly writing letters to Wayne, pretending to be Cal. When Wayne dies, Toby finally tells Cal the truth. This causes a big fight between the two friends.
Meanwhile, Toby spends time in Zachary's trailer. Cal eventually comes to find Toby there. Cal gives Toby back all the money he had borrowed. He also tells Toby that his mom is not coming back, just like Wayne.
Later, Toby tries to give a necklace, which belonged to his mother, to a girl he likes. But she gives it back, explaining that she likes someone else. Toby had danced with her earlier after she broke up with her boyfriend.
Cal and Toby eventually make up and become friends again. Toby chases Cal down to a lake, and they talk things through.
A Special Baptism and New Beginnings
Towards the end of the story, Toby and Cal decide to help Zachary. They help him get baptized in Gossimer Lake. A local cafe owner named Ferris, who used to study to be a priest, helps them with the baptism.
Soon after, Paulie returns with other circus performers to pick up Zachary. Zachary leaves town with them, ready for new adventures. Toby and Cal's friendship is stronger than ever. They have learned a lot about life, loss, and the importance of true friends.
Cast of Characters
- Jonathan Lipnicki as Toby
- Cody Linley as Cal
- Jesse Pennington as Wayne
- Sasha Joseph Neulinger as Zachary Beaver
- Jane Krakowski As Heather
See also
In Spanish: Las aventuras de Zachary Beaver para niños
