Young dreamer Peter Miles (as Tom Tiflin) receives "The Red Pony" as a gift from father Shepperd Strudwick (as Fred Tiflin). But, the boy receives help in training the animal not from his distant dad, but from ranch-land Robert Mitchum (as Billy Buck). When tragedy strikes, the lad learns some of life's lessons. The cast is certainly capable, especially with mother Myrna Loy (as Alice Tiflin) in the mix. But, the triad of adults does not approach the seething subtext present in "Shane" (1953). And, John Steinbeck's screenplay does not evoke the passion of similar films, like "The Yearling" (1947).

For these reasons, "The Red Pony" isn't as well-remembered. Still, it's an excellent production, with some fairly interesting character dynamics. Director Lewis Milestone and photographer Tony Gaudio contribute beautifully. This was the last film for Mr. Gaudio, who must have, although not finally nominated, received some "Academy Award" consideration for "Best Color Cinematography". Aaron Copland's musical score is also award-worthy. Louis Calhern (as grandfather) and Margaret Hamilton (as teacher) add support. Watch for Beau (son of Lloyd) Bridges and Nino Tempo (brother of April Stevens).

******* The Red Pony (3/28/49) Lewis Milestone ~ Peter Miles, Robert Mitchum, Myrna Loy

Long before the invention of contraptions, the children of the world learned about that world through the God-given gift of nature. Whether it be exploring the woods, climbing mountains or observing wildlife, the young were most times fascinated, and here, that fascination for a beautiful pony turns into devotion. The little boy is a forgotten child actor named Peter Miles, and he is the focus of the story where adults Myrna Loy, Robert Mitchum and Louis Calhern are top-billed. Loy is his loving but stern mother who sympathizes with him, Shepperd Strudwick his emotionally distant father, and even more to young Miles, loving grandpa Louis Calhern and ranch hand Robert Mitchum, who is pretty much a mentor to him. This doesn't follow the usual pattern of similar movies, and is actually pretty adult in nature with themes such as death and anger to study.

Among the several disturbing sequences which may not be right for young, sensitive minds is a thunderstorm scene where Miles stands at a schoolhouse window and another where he is attacked by a vulture. The school teacher happens to be played by none other than that wicked old witch, Margaret Hamilton. Beautifully filmed in color with a few fantasy moments, this truly is an adult movie where the adults are forced to remember what it was like being a child.

For the most part, Republic Pictures was a second-tier movie studio known for making B-westerns...tons and tons of B-westerns. However, like rival second-tier studio Columbia, they occasionally made some A-pictures...pictures with bigger budgets and bigger-name casts and directors. The best example is "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and directed by John Ford. Another is "The Red Pony" with Robert Mitchum, Myrna Loy and directed by Lewis Milestone. And, like "The Quiet Man", it was filmed in full-color! Obviously someone at the studio really wanted to make a top-tier film.

The story is set in the Salinas Valley, California, in the early 20th century. This is around Monterey and Carmel...a really lovely part of the country. It is a family story that centers on a young boy, Tom (Peter Miles) and his love for his new, but incredibly self-destructive pony. The horse escapes the barn during storms and becomes deathly ill. And, after a while, it does it again...with tragic results.

The story is a very meandering tale. In other words, it's really less about the horse and more about this period of time in a boy's life. It also focuses on his relationships with the men in his life...his father, grandfather and their hired hand on the ranch, Billy (Robert Mitchum). So, instead of always focusing on the horse or even the kid, it's almost like a window where you look at the family and the boy instead of a traditional movie.

Overall, the acting and direction are wonderful. As far as the story goes, it's good...not great. Enjoyable but also a film you should avoid if you hate dead animal tales, such as "Where the Red Fern Grows" or "Old Yeller".