Johnny Shiloh

Most Civil War movies usually have two truths. One, the War itself is not really the story. Two, the history is awful.

Until Ted Turner made several movies Disney ironically enough made several historically factual movies (TV shows) about the War. This is one of them.

Bryan Keith and Kevin Cocheran are good in it. The movie generally is historically accurate about one of the most important Civil War BAttles. If the Conferderates had broken the union army at Shiloh along with the Disaster going on in the Valley at this time, and the defeat in front of Richmond would the North have continued the War. At the least, there would be no Grant if the South won this battle decisively.

I would highly recommend watching this if you ever get the chance.

Originally shown on 'The Wonderful World of Disney' in two parts, and edited into a feature film for non-American markets, "Johnny Shiloh" tells the incredible-but-true story of Johnny Lincoln Clem (Kevin Corcoran, "Old Yeller"), an *extremely* stubborn 11 year old kid who's *determined* to serve with the Blue Raiders during the Civil War. In fact, he would much rather do this than go home to his shopkeeper father (Regis Toomey, "The Big Sleep"). Initially, he's a drummer boy, soon graduating to full-fledged officer. His courage tends to inspire the grown men around him.

Well acted (Brian Keith ("The Parent Trap") is a hoot as Johnny's adult friend Gabe, who's gruff most of the time but has a big heart) and well-directed, "Johnny Shiloh" is good entertainment. It even gives a generally accurate portrayal of a particular Civil War battle. *Very* sincere and engaging overall, it benefits from a solid cast of familiar faces: Darryl Hickman ("Network"), Eddie Hodges ("Advise & Consent"), Skip Homeier ("The Ghost and Mr. Chicken"), Edward Platt ('Get Smart'), Dan Riss ("Panic in the Streets"), Hayden Rorke ('I Dream of Jeannie'), and Buck Taylor ("Hell or High Water"). It's a good story, capably told by director James Neilson ("Night Passage"), and it features some disarming humor, touching moments, and well-staged battle scenes.

Overall, it's worth watching and is very much of a piece with other Civil War stories told by the Disney company.

Seven out of 10.