Across the Great Divide

In 1976, at the height of the John Denver phenomenon, all us college kids flocked to the theatres to see the awesome Rocky Mountain scenery. The story did not appeal nearly as much then, as it does now, watching my kids watch it. In midlife I have come to enjoy it in totality. The scenes (Utah and British Columbia) are breathtaking. The child actors are spunky and yet charming. Logan is inimitable in his mannerisms. After a while you are drawn into the situation as though you are part of it. Sit down with the kids or grandkids and enjoy it over and over.

And I LOVED that game growing up. I just watched this movie for the first time since the early 90's. Across the great Divide is proof that you don't need huge budgets or big stars in order for a movie to be good. The movie starts off with 2 children who need to cross the wilderness to claim their land inheritance meet a gambler on the run. Together they face natures obstacles in order to reach their destination. Granted, there were a few parts that were pretty predictable as to what was going to happen next. But all in all, it was a great little film to watch whether its in a family setting, or just by yourself.

Two orphans, Heather Rattray, Mark Hall, must cross the Great Divide, the rugged snow-covered Rocky Mountains in 1876 in order to reclaim their inheritance, a 400 acre plot of lands in Salem, Oregon . Along the way they are helped by a roguish card player, Robert F Logan. They soon find that nature may be very harsh and dangerous. All of them seeking escape of bandits, George Buck Flowers and others, Indians and a hunger as well a huge bear pursuing them .At the end takes place an amusing card game between the expert card player, Robert Logan, and the ingenuous outlaw, George Buck Flower, that results in unexpected consequences.

An enjoyable family fare with majestic scenario. A predictable retreat of previous film from Wilderness Family saga, but more good family adventure drama. This is a pleasant and agreeable coming-of-age story in which a pair of waifs find trouble in paradise, this makes a half-hearted attempt to break away from the triteness of the Walt Disney stereotype, before succumbing to a catalogue of savageries and beauties of nature. The picture spends time promising interesting tensions between the independient children and the rogue drifter, before dumping them on the wilderness to find savage animals in exemplary Baden-Powell fashion and the little girl results to be the better provider, while attempting to escape of Indians.

It contains a colorful and wonderful cinematography, including breathtaking outdoors. And a sensitive and touching musical score by Angelo Baladamenti, David Lynch usual. This fairly formulary children adventure was well directed by Stewart Raffil. He is a fine craftsman who has directed several films of all kinds of genres as Grizzly Falls, Tammy and T-Rex, Mannequin 2, Mac and me, Ice pirates, The Philadelphia experiment and other films in similar style to Across the Great Divide : Sea gypsies, The adventures of the wilderness family, When the north wind blows. Rating 6.5/10. Decent adventure movie for the youngest viewers.

An acceptable story line about two orphaned kids who reluctantly accept the assistance of a nice guy gambler on the run from past misfortune. Through trials and dangers a bond is formed between these likable characters. I rate this movie high simply for the good feeling you get watching it. Some of the animal scenes are completely unrealistic (a grizzly outdone by everyone including a few kids) but this seems to be the norm with these types of movies. It's also my peeve in the Genre but one must be capable of a more emotional response to fully appreciate what is being said in a film like this. Cue the imagination. What the movie gives up in "believability", regarding the animal scenes, it more than makes up for in filming locations. I was surprised to see the Peyto lake scenes as this is a very rugged and remote area of Alberta to shoot. Some real hiking may have been necessary for these shots but they are spectacular. A few good stunts; like a man and cougar fall from a cliff, add to the appeal. Overall, this is "feel good" 70's movie material.

My mother took me to see this movie at the theater when I was 10 years old, and it is one of my all-time favorites. It has all the elements that make movies great: soothing music, breath-taking scenery, suspense, humor, and adventure. Right from the start you are drawn into the movie by the charm of Zachariah Coop, a trickster by trade. While running from the mischief he stirred up at his last gig, meets up with two kids who are in need of some adult help and protection to see them safely over the mountains. After the unfortunate timing of their meeting, they struggle to regain each other's trust, which they know is the only way they will be able make it. The wolf scene was incredible. The director should have won awards for that.