Oltre le grandi montagne

This is a good film for family or an easy watch. The plot is not very compelling and the acting is remote. However, this was filmed in Utah and Canada, and the critters are very present, often at odds to the desires of the main party. The wolf scene is quite dramatic. Obviously the film makers were equipped to shoot outdoors as the colors and details are quite good for the time period. About 3/4 of the way through the movie, the party passes a lake. I am guessing it is the famous Peyto Lake in Canada's Banff NP, a truly spectacular place. If you like a wholesome movie, with lots of critters and big wild lands this movie is worth a view. Nice dog, too!

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.

A family Western adventure. All shot on location. Two orphans (feisty older girl and her younger brother) team up with cheeky con-man on the run (think James Garner meets Michael Landon) for a mission across the mountains in order to claim their (the kids') inheritance. It's a loose set-up that provides an excuse for all the classic Western thrills and spills that follow. A warm and friendly film with beautiful locations (Utah and Alberta, Canada). There's lots of animal scenes with bears, wolves, mountain lion/cougars in pursuit, even otters make a jovial appearance, not to mention their brave and faithful dog who accompanies them all the way. They meet (and stay a while) with Natives. It's an idealised west where the hero just happens to be able to speak the Native tongue. But that's ok, we need this kind of friendly film in the world. Especially in the way that is so distinct to the late 70s (eg - Grizzly Adams) where kids and animals run in slo-mo through long grass to warm sunset country-soul music. It's old-school Disney live-action style but it's miles better than, say, The Apple Dumpling Gang. A good one to show kids as an intro to Westerns etc. Seek the restored version which looks fantastic (eg - on amazon prime video)

Holly and Jason Smith (Heather Rattray and Mark Edward Hall, respectively) are a brother/sister combo out on the open trail. Trying to get to Oregon before their miserly uncle claims some land that is rightfully theirs, the kids run across a kind-hearted gambler, Zachariah Coop (Robert Logan). Although they get off to a rocky start, their relationship together grows out of necessity of their dependence on each other. They slowly learn to trust one another, and as a team make steady progress to Oregon. Director Raffill has directed quite a few of the outdoor, family adventure films as of late, and his love for nature shines through his lens. `Across the Great Divide' had a few gratuitous `fear for your life' moments, but definitely holds its own against other outdoor adventure films made in the 1970's. For viewers looking for films with good morals, this also has lessons learned out the wazoo. Rating: 25/40

Plot: A professional gambler on the run stumbles across and eventually joins up with two orphaned children on their way to Oregon.

Good stuff: The film has some amazing scenery and even more amazing scenes with animals. The performance by the actress playing the older sister is pretty good and there is some nice dramatic tension between her and Robert Logan's character. The card game between Logan and the horse traders was pretty amusing.

Bad stuff: I thought the film ended rather abruptly. While there is a resolution of sorts, it would have been interesting if the film could have gone on for maybe another 15 minutes. In addition, Robert Logan seems far too pleasant to play the self-centered gambler character.

Overall, not a great film, but one good enough to keep your attention and the attention of the kids.