The Biscuit Eater (1972)

Director:

Vincent McEveety

Writers:

James H. Street (story)
Lawrence Edward Watkin (writer)

Release Date:

22 March 1972 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family

Plot:

In this touching adventure, a remake of the popular 1940 film, two Georgia boys ignore their racial differences to team up and befriend a feral bird dog, whom they train to participate in a fence-jumping contest. |

Plot Keywords:

Dog Trainer | Dog Training | Dog | Feral | Boy Dog Relationship

Cast

Earl Holliman	...	Harve McNeil
Pat Crowley	...	Mary Lee McNeil (as Patricia Crowley)
Lew Ayres	...	Mr. Ames
Godfrey Cambridge	...	Willie Dorsey
Beah Richards	...	Charity Tomlin
Clifton James	...	Mr. Eben
Johnny Whitaker	...	Lonnie McNeil
George Spell	...	Text Tomlin
Mantan Moreland	...	Waiter
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Forrest Burns
Golden Eddie	...	Evans
Dorothy Hack

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

Australia:G | USA:G | Iceland:L

Company:

Walt Disney Productions

Movie Connections:

Version of The Biscuit Eater (1940)

Soundtrack:

MOREOVER AND ME

Simple story, told well

This film, while not particularly inspired, does a very good job with the story of two boys who are trying to train a bird dog. There is a nasty neighbor and a few other plot developments that throw a hitch in their plans, but the film is quietly solid all the way. It might be a little too laid back for the kids of today, but in 1972 teenagers were more tolerant.

The cast is part of the reason the film works. Johnny Whitaker, looking not much older than his days on Family Affair, and George Spell were completely convincing as friends. The wonderful Beah Richards also helps the film along as George's mother. Earl Holliman and Pat Crowley are Johnny's parents, and Holliman always could be counted on to give a great performance. It's just a small film that shines quietly.