Menace on the Mountain (1970)

Menace on the Mountain Poster

A period piece about the McIver family trying to protect there home from Civil War deserters. Actor Jodie Foster, then approximately 8, plays Suellen McIver. Actor Mitch Vogel, Jamie, is their protector.

Introduction
"Menace on the Mountain" is a 1970 American historic drama movie directed by Vincent McEveety and produced by Walt Disney Productions. Set throughout the American Civil War, the movie tells the story of a group of Confederate deserters who take haven on a mountain and terrorize the surrounding neighborhood. The movie looks into themes of courage, relationship, and survival amidst the peril of war and the battle of an impoverished farmer to keep his family together.

Setting and Plot Overview
Happening throughout the Civil War, the film is set in the rural mountain neighborhood of Fennville living in one of the southern states. The protagonist, Addie, is a young, reckless lady who, along with her mother and siblings, must take care of her family on their farm while her daddy, Willie Randall, is battling the war. Their household resides on a rocky farm beside a mountain, which is known to be the hiding location for Confederate deserters led by the ruthless Harry Starr.

The plot unfolds as the unsafe group of deserters starts to intimidate the regional neighborhood, stealing home and resources from the already impoverished townspeople. The townspeople, being prime targets to the deserters, are terrified and daunted, leaving the Randall household in consistent worry that their home might also be attacked. A previous Union soldier ends up being hurt and stranded in the town; Addie conserves him and brings him to the family house, resulting in a battle between the deserters and the townspeople to secure their livelihoods.

Characters and Themes
Addie Randall, a lively and brave protagonist, showcases the durability and resourcefulness that rural neighborhoods showed throughout the Civil War. In spite of her mother's worries, Addie frequently challenges the standards of gender roles by protecting her household and farm from the hazard of the deserters. Throughout the film, her bravery acts as a testimony to her resourcefulness and the lengths individuals will go to survive and protect their households.

Addie's mom, Annette Randall, is played by the talented Kathryn Minner. She is a devoted partner and mother who is increasingly protective of her household and worths hard work. In spite of sensation powerless against the deserters, she is identified to run the household farm independently while her other half is away fighting in the war.

Harry Starr, played by the charismatic Charles Aidman, leads the dangerous gang of Confederate deserters concealing on the mountain. He is both intelligent and manipulative and presents a major hazard to the Randall family and individuals of Fennville.

The themes of the movie revolve around nerve, relationship, and survival during a time of war. The characters are faced with difficult choices and are put in circumstances where they need to rely on their self-confidence and durability to endure.

Conflict and Resolution
The conflict in the film originates from the reality that the Confederate deserters position a major danger to the town and the Randall family. Their existence makes it hard for the struggling community to live and work quietly. Addie's bravery and decision play a critical function in empowering those around her to stand up to the deserters and ultimately get rid of the menace from their lives.

Towards the end of the movie, the town bands together to beat the deserters. The household's courage and willpower are eventually rewarded when Addie's daddy returns from the war and reunites with his family.

Conclusion
"Menace on the Mountain" is a thrilling and emotional journey through the struggles faced by a bad farming family throughout the Civil War. The film's styles of nerve, resilience, relationship, and neighborhood strength supply a motivating and gripping tale for both children and grownups. The fascinating performances from the cast, combined with the historically accurate setting, develop a memorable and enjoyable movie experience that contrasts the harsh realities of war with the hope and strength of the human spirit.

Top Cast

  • Pat Crowley (small)
    Pat Crowley
    Leah McIver
  • Albert Salmi (small)
    Albert Salmi
    Poss Timmerlake
  • Charles Aidman (small)
    Charles Aidman
    Jed McIver
  • Mitch Vogel (small)
    Mitch Vogel
    Jamie McIver
  • Richard Anderson (small)
    Richard Anderson
    Maj. Galt
  • Dub Taylor (small)
    Dub Taylor
    Cicero Everhart
  • Eric Shea (small)
    Eric Shea
    Mark McIver
  • Jodie Foster (small)
    Jodie Foster
    Suellen McIver
  • Dan Ferrone (small)
    Dan Ferrone
    Lt. Saunders
  • James Nusser (small)
    James Nusser
    Ben Forrester
  • Kelton Garwood (small)
    Kelton Garwood
    Mr. Sykes (as John Harper)