Le trésor de Matacumba

This is one of those Disney flicks from the '70s that you may or might have enjoyed as a kid and while it retains some charm when you watch it as an adult, you notice some plot holes you didn't notice or were willing to overlook when you were younger. I'm 38 and this is my first time seeing Treasure of Matecumbe which I'd been meaning to watch for 20 years but somehow didn't get to. Anyway, it concerns two boys looking for a treasure in the Florida Keys. Along the way, they encounter a bride escaping from her husband to be, a medicine man, and an uncle of one of them as he's about to be lynched by the Ku Klux Klan! I'll stop right here and mention some of the players: Robert Foxworth, Joan Hackett, Peter Ustinov, Dick Van Patten, Dub Taylor, George 'Goober' Lindsey, and Jane Wyatt who died at 96 a couple of weeks ago, bless her soul. The plot is pretty entertaining though it takes a while to get going. Best sequences involve a hurricane and some pirates led by Vic Morrow. Like I said, this might be more enjoyable for kids than adults so watch it with them if you can.

This is slightly slow and the plot is a bit convoluted...however...it's a heartfelt adventure film. The film allows Disney to re-inforce the importance of education and just as important show society's disgust at racism when the klan members are set in fire (I have to admit I definitely chuckled here). It was slightly disappointing to see their handling of Native American culture, but I don't believe ill intent was meant. It is overall a film to enjoy for what it is and not take to serious any perceived slights. The medicine show portrayed in the film while cringey and offensive today, is accurate for that time(1800's). A talking point for families to discuss and move on.

A prettily photographed, occasionally enjoyable but rather leisurely paced Disney adventure. It features an amusing Peter Ustinov (as a good-hearted quack), some pretty good special effects (except for a mosquito attack, which looks awful) and a few unusually adult elements (one character is nearly executed by the Ku Klux Klan). The two leading kids are not irritating at all, and the film is agreeable enough, but too long and not very compelling story-wise. (**1/2)

This is a great film that will keep the kids interested. The friendship between Davie and Thad is immeasurable. And the bonds that form between the adults and kids is something that is surely missed in today's cinema. Outstanding performances by Peter Ustinov and the late great Joan Hackett. On a personal note: Ms. Hackett may you rest in peace. You are surely missed....!

They'll never release this again. I bought it used on video... but I can see no DVD for it ever. First of all, no one wants it. It is badly acted (except of course the great Peter Ustinov's character) and not exciting or interesting. The main female lead, rest her soul, had the most horrible attempt at a "southern accent" I've heard. There is a dance scene on the dock with some tough guys that makes you want to put a gun to your head too. It feels like a 1970's TV movie big time. Even though it is supposed to be taking place during the reconstruction... the opening credit music just ignores that and goes with some Godawful "Matecumbe" song that sounds straight out of 1976. Also, Vic Morrow opens the film by asking "where's you blacks?" referring to the plantation owners' former slaves. He then shortly thereafter shoots the former slave that night. Usually in Disney flicks, they shoot at someone but always miss. This guy just layed there and died! In addition to that, this is the only Disney movie that has the Ku Klux Klan in it. All this may sound interesting, but it isn't. It is a lousy movie at best.