Perry Kate Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Redwarmin This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Sarentrol Masterful Cinema

Cem Lamb This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

CitizenCaine Often times we're disappointed with the film translation of great works of literature. However, it's unlikely most people have read The Red Pony, which is actually a conglomeration of four Steinbeck short stories. That being said, the film contains many characteristics typical of a John Steinbeck work: the metaphorical connection between nature and ourselves, characters who fit seamlessly into the landscape of the story, and at least one tragic scene resolving conflict that's antithetical in tone to the rest of the work. Director Lewis Milestone moves the story along at a leisurely pace, even for an hour and a half film, and the pace is balanced by Aaron Copland's memorable score, highlighting the energy and vigor required of living on a working ranch out west.The film stars young Peter Miles as a boy who loves a red pony and who has lessons to learn about life and the adults around him. Myrna Loy is his strong-willed mother dealing with a husband who may no longer be committed to life on a ranch. Shepherd Strudwick is the boy's father who finds it difficult to relate to his son in light of his own conflict about ranch life and his misplaced resentment toward his father-in-law. Louis Calhern plays the father-in-law as an aging man whose stories of the past bore those coming after him, except for the young boy. Robert Mitchum plays the ranch hand Billy Buck serving as a surrogate father to the young boy in the father's absence in San Jose. All the performances are uniformly fine, especially the understated Mitchum.Every Steinbeck story has a paradigm of sorts with characters, conflicts, settings, and symbolism. The Red Pony is no exception. The life cycle is also a thematic element Steinbeck draws upon. The film probably moves a bit too slow for some of today's viewers, but the color cinematography and music really make it worth viewing. A couple of familiar faces are Margaret Hamilton as the strict school teacher and a very young Beau Bridges, in only his third role, as one of the schoolmates. It's truly an enjoyable, worthwhile family film. A word of caution about the climactic scene regarding the pony and the buzzard: young children may find it disturbing. *** of 4 stars.

John T. Ryan Herbert J. Yates presents John Steinbeck's THE RED PONY (Feldman Productions/Milestone Productions/REPUBLIC PICTURES, 1949) Starring Myrna Loy, Robert Mitchum, Louis Calhern. Written by John Steinbeck, Directed by Lewis Milestone, Original Music by Aaron Copland.REPUBLIC PICTURES, long the mainstay of the "B" Western, the Juvenile Comedy Series and (of course) the Saturday Matinée Serial, occasionally brought out through release a truly remarkable film. Case in point, we present you with The John Ford & Merion C. Cooper Argosy Production of THE QUIET MAN (1952). Films of such stature are rare anywhere and particularly so when produced (at least in part) by an outfit such as "The Thrill Factory". There were many others over the years; but as we said in the whole they were rare.LIKEWISE we have the case of this John Steinbeck tale of family, generational gaps, hero worship, fraud and ultimate discovery of mutual humanity; with of all its virtues, frailties and foibles notwithstanding. The screen adaptation is a surprisingly successful blending of emotion all around the spectrum. Although we have a setting in the American West , in the early part of the 20th Century, well after the Frontier had been tamed; we find the story to be universally relevant and relative to all in any time, setting or situation.FOR a project that is at least partially founded in a "poverty row", lesser tiered Hollywood Studio, the film marshals first rate talent from the best of that available. The Cast, featuring such luminaries as: Myrna Loy, Robert Mitchum and Louis Calhern, is equally well supported in the lower portions by fine performers with less well names. Shepherd Standwick, Margaret Hamilton, a young Nino Tempo and an even younger Beau Bridges (yeah, Lloyd's Son, Jeff's Bro). We're also treated to an uncredited appearance by Pro Wrestler, 'Wee Willie' Davis as a truck driver.THE cinematography is beautiful and the open country natural settings are truly breath taking. Stark realism, as exemplified by the ranch buildings and corrals, barn, etc., receives an outstanding dose of contrast by the finely conceived and rendered dream sequences. One tends to magnify the intensity of the other. The inclusion of the Technicolor Process is used to the utmost level; making for the best and most natural palette on any screen.LEST we forget our hearing, we must make mention of the beautiful original score composed by Mr. Aaron Copland. The theme and the incidental music, while sounding like vintage Copland, still manages to be a unique overall composition; deserving to be classified as a symphonic masterpiece, had it been written in another era.IN the hands of veteran Director's Director, Mr. Lewis Milestone, the story manages to Classify itself as being virtually unclassifiable. You'll find no pigeon holing or square and round pegging here. What could well be called a Western, a Comedy, a Coming of Age Tale, a Family Story or a Juvenile Tale, could be and would be classified in any of these categories; ergo, it's in essence none of these.AND that my dear Schultz, is what we believe to be the real criterion for true, singular classification and uniqueness. That's It and That's All, Story Over! POODLE SCHNITZ!!

whpratt1 It is hard for me to believe this is a John Steinbeck novel and screen play, it is the complete opposite of anything that Steinbeck has ever written. Myrna Loy, (Alice Tiffin) plays a rather quite woman who lived in the Salinas Valley all her life and is a very calm mother with her son Tom and her aging father who repeats stories over and over again until I even got tired of hearing the grandfather, (Louis Calhern) repeat his lines over and over again. Alice Tiffin's husband came from San Jose, California and is beginning to drift away from the ranch and wants to work with his brother who lives in San Jose. Robert Mitchum, (Billy Buck) plays an outstanding role and seems to be the only person who puts his heart and soul into this picture. Louis Calhern gave a great supporting role and I just think that Myrna Loy did not belong in this film.

Bradley Mercer This version of The Red Pony is a Great Film experience for one and all. Robert Mitchum,Myrna Loy,Louis Calhern and Margaret Hamilton all make for an Excellent cast. With An Excellent score,atmospheric shooting and actors who are truly committed to their roles... This film can hardly miss...and it doesn't! Others on this site have complained that "it's not as good as the book". Which is a fair criticism ...if this was the book you were reading,however it's a different form of art than the book this art is the movie.So often what works in a book will not work in a movie. Robert Mitchum is such an underrated actor and he proves that he can hold his own with any of these Great stars featured in this film. His scenes with the little boy are heartwarming. For a touching film that gives you John Steinbeck's story of The Red Pony from a slightly different perspective(with John Steinbeck having authored this script).This film will touch you as well as make you feel like you really know all of these characters(and sympathize with many of them).Also it should be noted that this part of rural America is beautifully captured in this quaint,memorable and very touching film.This is a beautiful film that is not to be missed. I give it a 9.