What makes it different from others?

Very disappointed :(

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

This is a beautiful motion picture about a boy and a horse (and there are many of those). Adapted by John Steinbeck from the author's own short stories, it captures its rural setting perfectly, and the entire production is enlivened by strong characterizations. Louis Calhern is especially fun as Grandfather, and Margaret Hamilton shines as a stern schoolmarm. But the real star, aside from the titular animal, is the dialogue. The people in this story speak so realistically and naturally, it spoils you and makes you wish all films were written this way. An added bonus is Aaron Copland's music. Remade in 1973 as a television movie by Universal.

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

Quite by accident I caught this great classic on television today and copied it, to share it later in the day with my teen age daughter, thrilled to have a copy of one of the rare movies that Aaron Copland did the soundtrack for, and having as well a distant memory of how beautifully touching this film was. I realize now, after watching it again, I had suppressed a highly traumatic scene when the young boy discovers his dead pony, and at that moment a very disturbing scene as he fights off the carrion birds. It is definitely not suitable for younger children and a bit of a shocker even now considering the movie was made in 1949.But. . . and there is always a "but" for something like this. The movie is beautiful and elegant. Aaron Copland's soundtrack is lyrical, so rich with its "sense" of Americana. Every performance, from the grandfather, now out of place in time (and darn what moving eloquence when in this setting around 1900 he describes the "westerning" spirit of the America of his youth and now "we are old men, standing on the shore of an ocean, and there is no more west for us.") to as always the beauty of Myrna Loy in any role she plays.The varying themes triggered a deep and heart felt conversation with my teenage daughter. Memories of my own aging father, remembering his youth and telling the same stories once too often (and oh how I wished I had listened with more love and respect), to the anguish of losing a beloved animal companion. . . My daughter and I cried together during that scene and talking about it afterwards. . .and even the deeper issue of what was America and how the "westerning" spirit shaped us.This is a remarkable film, and definitely look beyond the exceptional cast to who was behind it, Copland for the music and Milestone directing. . .do not miss it, and if your children are in their teens, definitely share it with them as well. . .and be ready for some heart felt conversation afterwards. Sharing this tonight with my daughter was a true blessing.Wm. Forstchen

Two of the funniest men I ever saw were Bob and Ray. A comedy team that did some of the cleverest word play ever. An example. Bob would say, "You can see the Kimodo Dragon at the Washington Zoo. Ray would look at him and ask, "And if you wanted to see one of these interesting creatures, where might you and your family go." The delivery was slow and drawling. That's what this movie is like. It's a great story. It's about relationships and pain and isolation. It's about a father who just can't relate to his son. Then there's Billy Buck, played by Robert Mitchum. He speaks like this too. There are these pregnant pauses all over the place. You almost want to say, "Hurry up. We're not getting anywhere." The grandfather drones on about his adventures in the Western movement, driving the father crazy. The little boy has about as much charisma as a stump. I used to assign this story to ninth graders. They really like the book. The movie was so anti-climactic after the reading. They were so disappointed, it detracted from the enjoyment of the book. I'm not saying this is the worst movie ever. It could have been truly better with a little better direction and writing.