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

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

For some, it was the game of "Cowboys and Indians"; others chose "Cops and Robbers'. Some look up to firemen; others liked matchbox cars. For me, it was trains. For Tom Sawyer, it's right in his own back yard: the mighty Mississippi River. Makes me wish it had been in my own backyard! There are at least two older film versions of Mark Twain's great American novel, written with pre-teen boys in mind. Both are excellent. A 35 year difference between the 1938 Selznick version (an absolute brilliant adaption) saw a need for a new version, and thanks to Robert and Richard Sherman, songs were added. TV favorite Johnny Whitaker is a perfect choice to play the misunderstood Tom, the bane of his Aunt Polly's (Celeste Holm) existence, yet somehow her little love, tall tales and all. While the songs aren't really all that memorable outside the constraints of the plot, they perfectly fit the mood and setting of this version. However, some of the songs don't necessarily fit the characters who sing them, particularly a song about the fence white washing. Jodie Foster has to be the most tomboyish Becky Thatcher that I've ever seen on stage or screen, closer to Laura Ingalls' country girl than Twain's fragile judges daughter. Holm is both stern and loving as Aunt Polly, a nice followup to Clara Blandick's and May Robson's interpretations. It takes a bit for her warmth to pop out, but when it does (heard singing after Tom's supposed drowning while turning out the house lights), prepare to shed a tear or two. Screen time is increased for Warren Oates' Muff Potter, with Jeff East a cleaned- up Huck Finn. The lovable Lucile Benson is a hoot as the gregarious Widow Douglas. Kunu Hunk makes a scary Injun Joe, one of the most frightening villains in children's literature. Veteran character actor Henry Jones adds to the atmosphere as the no-nonsense schoolmaster who whips Tom mercilessly for Becky Thatcher's slate drawing.Taking away from some quickly written songs, this is really good technically for the perfect period feeling, beautiful country settings and a feeling of old fashioned Americana that seldom strikes a nerve in modern cinema. Of course, the story has been told several times afterwards, so there's no real surprises. Thanks to Whitaker's exuberance, it never gets to the point of over exposure. From my adolescence, this was the perfect film to watch on a late Saturday morning while my parents were shopping. Not quite a classic but far from a fiasco.

A wide-eyed, whitewashed version of Mark Twain's Mississippi classic "Tom Sawyer", unsuccessfully transformed into a musical. The adaptation begins by showing off its high production values; and, the cast and crew feature many capable professionals; however, they do not add up to anything of substantial merit. The first clue something is terribly wrong occurs when Celeste Holm (as Aunt Polly) sings "Tom Sawyer!"; the crude, uncouth boy she sings about doesn't really describe the part Johnny Whitaker is playing.The musical numbers are predicable (It's called "Gratification"!) and, sometimes, atrocious. The obvious exception is the outstanding soundtrack song "River Theme", sung by Charley Pride, who does not appear. The filmmakers would have been wise to include some more accomplished singers in the cast.Little leading lady Jodie Foster (as Becky Thatcher) and Whitaker are good in their "first meeting" scene. Character actor Henry Jones (as Mr. Dobbins) is always a pleasure. Mr. Whitaker and Jeff East (as Huckleberry Finn) are the actual co-stars; and, their "Freebootin'" is a relative highlight. Very likable, but ill cast, Mr. East would return in his character's sequel "Huckleberry Finn" (1974). **** Tom Sawyer (3/14/73) Don Taylor ~ Johnny Whitaker, Jeff East, Jodie Foster, Celeste Holm

I have not seen this version of Tom Sawyer for quite a few years, but I did see it as a child on the "Big Screen". The fun part for me about this movie is that I grew up just a few miles from where most of it was filmed -- a small river town in Mid-Missouri called Arrow Rock. It's not the type of area where a person gets to see a lot of movies being filmed, so you can imagine that this was quite an event for a small rural area at the time.I was 12 at the time, same age as Johnny Whitaker when he played Tom, and I remember going to watch the filming of several scenes -- especially the "picnic scene". It was also interesting to see what was done to the town to prepare for the making of the film. The main street, which is paved asphalt, was covered with several inches of dirt. The concrete sidewalks were converted to boardwalk sidewalks, which still exist today! It was fun to watch the film in the theater, because many of the extras in the film were local townspeople, neighbors, and friends. You watched to pick out the scenes where you would recognize people you know.There is a special celebration in Arrow Rock this year for the July 4th festivities, celebrating the 35 years since the filming of Tom Sawyer (1972). Johnny Whitaker and Jeff East are returning to Arrow Rock to participate in the festivities... and I will be returning to partake also! If you're ever driving across Missouri on I-70, I invite you to take a slight detour on Hiway 41 North (just about 130 miles west of St. Louis) and visit the little historic town of Arrow Rock.... where for two months in 1972, Hollywood came to visit!

I really enjoyed this movie and the music that was in it. Lots of good fun and adventure! I do believe Mr.Mark Twain would approve! This movie hits all the right notes and what an adventure! One can clearly see how the two lead actors make choices for their characters and the results are very good. I enjoyed the journey and the adventure the two went on, and I felt the movie was a very good adaptation of the novel. I can remember reading the book and not wanting to put it down, and was living in SC at the time the movie came out. We lived along a river as it was and as a 10 year old, I could somewhat relate to the main characters in the way of wanting to go on such an adventure. This movie was very good from start to finish, and I can distinctly recall to me, the scariest part..when they were all in the caves.