The Boy Who Stole the Elephant (1970)

The Boy Who Stole the Elephant Poster

A frontier huckster, Colonel Ryder, and a young orphan, Davey, operate a travelling tent show. They are loaned an elephant by an old friend, Molly, who is also a rival circus owner. Davey trains the elephant and the two soon become inseparable. When the Colonel loses the elephant in gambling, Davey steals the elephant and begins a 20-mile search for Molly, the rightful owner.

Introduction
"The Boy Who Stolen the Elephant" is a wonderful and adventurous tv film released in 1970 by Walt Disney Television. Directed by Sigmund Neufeld Jr., the film stars Mark Lester, June Havoc, Joe Flynn, Parley Baer and Bart Carpin. The film tells the poignant story of a young kid, David, who runs away from his oppressive employer with an elephant. It represents the lengths that a young kid will go to in his mission for liberty and justice, and his enduring friendship with an elephant.

Plot Overview
Embed in the early 1900s in a little American town, David (Mark Lester), a lonely orphan kid, is utilized by a harsh, stringent storekeeper, Mr. Wiggins. David goes through a life of constant criticism, overwork and unreasonable treatment. He discovers solace in Jenny, an adorable circus elephant. As their bond strengthens, David solves to get away from Wiggins and to complimentary Jenny from her unkind circus handler, which he accomplishes by taking her from the circus.

Experience and Journey
Together, David and Jenny start an interesting journey across the country. They assist a countryside neighborhood get rid of a severe drought by utilizing Jenny to dig a trench to divert water from a close-by river into their dried up reservoir, cultivating goodwill and friendship among the locals. Their expedition is loaded with interesting interactions with individuals they satisfy along the way, and they outmaneuver those who try to record them.

Conflict and Resolution
Nevertheless, Mr. Wiggins and the circus handler are hot on their heels, excited to reclaim their 'home'. The ongoing pursuit becomes more extreme when Wiggins and the handler collaborate, and Jenny is eventually regained. A ravaged David is left helpless. His circumstance stirred public belief in his favor, thanks to a local newspaperman who has actually been following their experience. In the middle of public outrage, Wiggins is persuaded to admit his extreme treatment of David and offer an official apology. Moved by David's bond with Jenny, the townsfolk purchase the elephant from the circus and present her back to David, providing him his freedom and reasonable living conditions as well.

Performances
Mark Lester's performance as David is the emphasize of the movie. His display of loneliness, strength, and decision to provide him and his elephant buddy a better life is heartfelt. Joe Flynn and June Havoc provide strong assistance as Wiggins and the circus handler, respectively.

Conclusion
"The Boy Who Stole the Elephant" is a captivating family movie filled with enjoyment, adventure, and feel-good minutes. It expertly grapples with social issues like child exploitation and animal cruelty. Although it might have been made numerous decades earlier, the film's theme of relationship and nerve continues to resonate with viewers. Its focus on compassion, fairness, and the power of neighborhood spirit has actually made it a remarkable Disney classic.

Top Cast

  • Parley Baer (small)
    Parley Baer
    Mayor Hancock
  • Whitney Blake (small)
    Whitney Blake
    Helen Owens
  • Walter Burke (small)
    Walter Burke
    Tinker
  • Ernestine Clark
    Nana
  • Tom Drake (small)
    Tom Drake
    Mr. Corbert
  • Robert Emhardt (small)
    Robert Emhardt
    Cy Brown
  • William Fawcett (small)
    William Fawcett
    Elmer
  • Dabbs Greer (small)
    Dabbs Greer
    Stilts
  • June Havoc (small)
    June Havoc
    Molly Jeffrys
  • Richard Kiel (small)
    Richard Kiel
    Luke Brown
  • Mark Lester (small)
    Mark Lester
    Davey