Good concept, poorly executed.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I loved the book, and began watching this Disney treatment quite sceptically, expecting huge changes in the plot and a completely different ending. But to my surprise it follows Stevenson's original text virtually to the letter. A number of events were left out, for reasons of budget and screen time, I suppose. But everything you see in the film is in the book with minimal variations. The Scottish locations are fantastic, the art direction is excellent, the cameos by Currie, Malleson and Laurie are a joy to watch, and the pipe playing contest between Finch and O'Toole is unforgettable. It is obvious that James MacCarthur is in the film only because he was a raising star at Disney's at the time and they wouldn't use an unknown British boy instead. It makes sense, but of course we still would have liked to see a native Scot with a real accent instead of an American painfully trying to sound like a Scot. But he manages to get along anyway. A perfect adventure film for a Saturday/Sunday matinée.

Robert Louis Stevenson, born in Scotland in 1850 and sick with tuberculosis most of his adult life, was one prolific author of books of travel and adventure that are read and enjoyed even today. The imagery he creates in his books is so vivid that cinematic adaption is real easy. In fact this version of Kidnapped won high praise in the British Isles for being remarkably faithful to the book.The story was also filmed on location in Scotland lending a real authenticity to the story. A whole slew of Scots players got work in this one and Australian Peter Finch and American James MacArthur fit right in with them. Impossible for me to believe, but this Walt Disney film did not do as good in America as in Europe. I suppose it was both the accents and the knowledge of the political situation in Scotland post the rising in 1745 that Americans did not appreciate or were ignorant of. This American certainly did.Young David Balfour the heir to the manor of Shores has one big problem collecting his inheritance, the presence of his uncle who is the reigning laird. Uncle Ebenezer who is deliciously played by John Laurie arranges a snatch by a sea captain friend of his and David (James MacArthur) is to be sent to the Carolinas in the American colonies as an indentured servant. On the boat young David whose politics and heritage make him a supporter of the Hanoverian George II who is the reigning King of Great Britain finds himself having to make common cause with Scottish soldier of fortune Alan Breck Stewart who is played by Peter Finch and boasts proudly of bearing the name of the true House that ought to be running things. He's a Jacobite, a supporter of the claim of James III, who is exiled in France and who fought at Culloden with Bonnie Prince Charlie. These unlikely allies affect an escape from the ship and make their way back to the House of Shores to set things right. Being a Jacobite and by dint of that, a traitor in Hanoverian eyes makes it all the more dangerous for both of them.James MacArthur, son of playwright Charles MacArthur and Helen Hayes, was a young Disney star during that period, doing a whole bunch of roles for Disney on the small and big screen. Peter Finch makes his second and last appearance in a Disney film, he was memorable as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Disney's Robin Hood film. They have a good easy chemistry between them and if it were not so the film wouldn't have worked at all.Three other players of note here are Bernard Lee as the sea captain who kidnaps Balfour, Finlay Currie as a fellow Jacobite clan leader who gives Finch and MacArthur shelter, and Peter O'Toole who bests Finch in a bagpipe playing contest.Robert Louis Stevenson died in Tahiti in 1894, but in his short life left us a remarkable output of literature like Treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Master of Ballantrae, and so much more. Though he went to the South Seas for health reasons and a love of adventure, if that can be combined in one individual, his love of Scotland was never shown better than in Kidnapped and in this classic adaption of that story.

Kidnapped is based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and has been made several times. This Disney version is excellent.David Balfur's uncle arranges for him to be kidnapped and is taken aboard a ship but gets shipwrecked along the way but eventually manages to get back to Scotland after teaming up with adventurer Alan Breack Stuart. The journey takes them across the Scottish Highlands and face dangers along the way including soldiers in Redcoats.This movie is shot on location in the Scottish Highlands and contains some great scenery.The cast includes James MacArther, Peter Finch, Benard Lee (before his role as M in the James Bond movies), John Laurie (Private Frazer from Dad's Army), Finlay Currie, Nial MacGinnis and Peter O'Toole (Lawrence of Arabia). Excellent parts from all.Watching Kidnapped is an ideal way to spend an hour and a half one afternoon. Excellent.Rating: 3 and a half stars out of 5.

When I watched this movie as a child, I was amazed and in awe by this adventure story that unfolded before me. In spite of the fact that I'm now older and more critical of the films I view, I couldn't help but admire the acting of Peter Finch and the others. Upon a recent viewing, I realized that much of the depth that makes this film so enjoyable was extremely overlooked in my youth. While the adventure is no "Jurassic Park," the story that unfolds about friendship, courage and determination allows me to recognize this film, not only as a childhood favorite, but as a timeless classic which I think people of all ages can and will enjoy. Rent it, buy it or borrow it--you won't be disappointed!