Alborada de amor

Universal released some odd balls during this period, in a faint attempt at developing new talent and making some higher-brow pix.

They tried to give "Wild Seed" the art house treatment by having the world premiere at the short lived Playboy (yes, that Playboy) theatre in Chicago on May 5, 1965. Some dates were in the midwest that summer, and it was often double billed with "McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force". All in all, this film barely had a release and is VERY obscure today. How did you people even see it?

This was a better movie than I was expecting; Michael Parks is extremely good as the young drifter (I was astonished that this was his first film) - it makes it that much more disappointing that his career didn't take off at all. He's very effective in showing both the protectiveness and vulnerability of the character, and really shines when the camera holds on him for a long time. On the other hand, Celia Kaye's performance didn't really strike me as anything special. There were moments when it struck me as fairly amateurish (in an unintentional way). The film is well directed and the supporting performances were quite good, although this is essentially a 2-person film. It's also VERY beautifully photographed by Conrad Hall; it's no surprise that his career took off after this debut feature, leading to movies like The Professionals and Cool Hand Luke right afterward. He had an excellent eye for the sweeping outdoor locations, and a lovely, delicate touch in the more intimate scenes. The script and dialogue are very moving as well, and completely believable in all situations; the exchanges between the older and younger characters are very well-written. Although not particularly surprising or unusual in setup or plot, it's altogether a very moving and touching story - a strong 7 of 10, close to an 8.

One of my favorite films from the '60's, "Wild Seed" was a touching sensitve view of two lost souls thrown together---a common plot of the times. This however, was in my opinion, one of the best performances by Michael Parks. I recall that the film was completed in about 3 weeks, done on a very low budget, and some of the dialogue was, in fact, ad libbed because of the cost. Parks carries off his role as a drifter with a heart so beautifully. We see that he really wants to reach out to the Celia Kaye character, but is so impacted by his past that he doesn't exactly know how. Eventually, the kindness he seeks from others shines through. I agree that Celia Kaye's acting is the weaker part of the film. She was a newcomer (and what did happen to her?)in this film; but Parks shines as someone aching to connect with someone in a purposeful sensitve way. He does so, sometimes, not with dialogue, but with a look, a shrug, a distanced stare, using the environment as part of his character. His characterization is reminiscent of a low-key James Dean; nuances are Parks' strength. The filming uses the seamier sides if cities as backdrop, yet, with rain-washed streets, there is something hopeful in those scenes. It's must-see for people wanting to see a classic story of the '60's generation and why we wandered and connected with strangers at critical times in our lives.

I rarely watch a movie twice, but I have seen this many times. I fell in love with Michael Parks. This film is so moving and I love the slow character development. Yes, Ms. Kaye's acting is a bit stiff, but I think as the movie goes along, you begin to feel her fall in love with him. It was for me, a movie that I hated to end. This movie can be found now on YouTube for free. Enjoy.

An obscure film set in the mid/late 1950's about a youth running away from her grandparents (NewJersey) to find her father (CA). She is unexpectly rescued and befriended enroute. Trust and friendship blossom as they travel by freight trains to California. The ending begs a sequel. Both genders will enjoy, independently or together. ///---Where can I get a copy ?!?!?!?---/// The "Journey of Natty Gan" is a lightweight, rambling version of this tale.