Bless the Beasts & Children

I saw this movie on TV when I was very young, only 7 or 8. The final scene was powerful, even though at that age I didn't fully comprehend what it meant. I remember seeing it several times afterward as I was growing up. I recently saw it listed on Comcast On Demand as a free movie, so I thought I would watch it. What an odd feeling to look back and realize how the meaning of certain movies dawned on you over time. I knew the first time that the kids were doing something good, setting the buffalo free. As a pre-adolescent and a teen, I understood that they were misfits, much like the buffalo they were trying to set free, and that their views weren't in line with the views of the authorities. They did what they thought was right, and one of them died doing it. What I remember as being so powerful about the final scene of the movie was not the sight of Cotton's being shot, but rather the image of the remaining boys standing on the hill and facing the hunters. The emotion of that moment was one of the most powerful movie moments I've ever experienced. I don't remember crying, but I remember the "feeling" of the first time I saw that scene – the only thing I can equate it with today as an adult is the feeling you get when all the blood rushes out of your face and you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. I think it was one of the first times in my young life that I realized that there was a scary world out there beyond my yard and that there were bigger things than me out there and that people could actually die for believing in them. Seeing it now, 30 or so years after the first time, I see the campiness of it, the forever-70s-ness of it, but I still "get" the message at the end. I wonder, though, in this world of high tech and instant gratification if there are many people today who are as passionate about the things they believe in as the kids in that movie were about those buffalo. Sadly, I doubt it.

I saw this movie in our school auditorium, as a high school classroom requirement back in the 1980's. I remember the girls crying, while a few of my male classmates sat quietly; perhaps being able to quickly identify themselves to one or more of the characters. The movie may not have interpreted the true spirit of the book, but I do think Stanley Kramer did as best a job he could in evoking both the struggles of male adolescence and the cultural patterns of the American family in the 1970's. There were many sobering messages despite the redundant metaphors throughout the film. Now, I am more interested in the "Where Are They Now" aspect of the film when I recently came across this title. I've found very little information on any of the main characters, with the exception of Bill Mummy. Also was saddened to hear about the death of Barry Robins (Cotton) back in 1986.

The quality of this acting by these teenagers is award caliber. The story, direction, imagery, cinematography...etc...all wonderful. I especially enjoyed the fact that we were really made to understand the lives of these young men. Be warned that we see a great number of scenes with guys outdoors in their underwear. So many (scenes and boys) in fact...and some almost suggestive...that it's clear [to me] that it was spurned at the time for this risky cinematic approach to telling the story. However, while this 'can' be used to serve more prurient interests, this partial nudity comprehensively conveys the vulnerability of our characters. The contrasting symbolism between their world and the real world is very effectively conveyed. This movie follows these guys throughout their adventure and, by the end, you completely understand every aspect of each person's motivation. Then, the story itself, is poignantly told in a no-holds-barred manner and ending with gritty irony. As you watch the credits, the point will be clear that the movie echoes the true reality of life.

I finally saw this again after many years, and it still holds up as a good story! It's one of those 'forgotten' movies of the 1970's, and I think it's way cool to see the great Bill Mumy in a completely different role from Will Robinson!!

The killing of the buffalo is awful, whether they needed to 'thin the herd' or not!

I think there would be more Vegetarians in the world if we all saw how out meat is processed! (Not that i'm a Vegetarian or anything)

I was very touched to hear of the comment from the woman whose brother played 'Cotton' in the film. Too many great young men died way too young from AIDS, as well as too damn many died too young in the jungles of Vietnam.

I read the book when I was just 12 years old. I loved it. Then I saw the movie...and loved the movie just as much. This is NOT your standard coming-of-age movie. Anyone who claims otherwise is full of buffalo doo (!) because there is no comparison here. As for statements that troubled kids aren't tender-hearted when it comes to animals, again, buffalo chips! This movie is dead-on when it comes to adolescent worry and the way that young people (and older folks too) treat one another. Swarthout has it right.

I have just now re-read the book and am dying to see the movie again. It's been at least 15 years or more (probably closer to 20) so everything is fresh again. Ironically for me, I now live just down the road from Prescott and Jerome and Flagstaff. All those locations from the movie and from the book are right down the road.