The Red Pony

Wholesomeness overdose

The Red Pony (1949) was the first color film veteran director Lewis Milestone did and was also one of the most ambitious productions that took place at Republic Pictures. Got a fairly warm family movie feeling, with a pleasant pace. Can't say there was many exciting moments, but then again, it wasn't exactly that kind of movie. It was more about the cozy mood. The bird attack was nicely done, pre-The Birds (1963) similarities.

Passable boy-and-his-animal tale is watchable, and beautifully photographed, but ultimately a bit tedious, and not helped by odd animated inserts, designed to show Miles' inner world, but which don't really pay off. A disappointment, given the cast and director.