Takes itself way too seriously

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Not to be confused with the1951 western "Along the Great Divide" nor with the rather similar "The Adventures of the Wilderness Family", which came out the year before, with the same producer(Arthur Dubs) and director(Stewart Raffill) and same male lead((Robert Logan). I would say this film is more interesting than the prior film. It features a friendly runaway crooked gambler(Logan as Coop), being chased by an angry party. He encounters a couple of kids(perhaps 11y.o. Holly Smith and her perhaps 7y.o. brother Jason) said to be on their way to Oregon to claim a 400acre farm. Everyone seems woefully prepared to survive such a trek! Virtually nothing is said about food, through the film. They shot one deer, but had to give it up due to interference by a bear. This was the first of 3 life-threatening encounters with a grizzly. They are also attacked by a partially grown cougar and by a pack of howling wolves. Of course, they suffer minimal injuries, in ferocious-looking encounters. Don't know how they staged these? In between, there are various non-threatening encounters with wildlife, especially young animals. Their dog sometimes plays with them, including a herd of bison. At one point, they encounter a friendly Indian tribe and spend a night with them. They maneuver a canoe through some rapids, before ditching it. Now, they need horses again. They happen upon a group of trappers with some extra horses. They try to buy 2, but lack enough money for one. Thus, Coop suggests a card game. With trickery, he keeps winning, until they have enough money for the 2 horses. Unfortunately, the mountain men are sore losers, and are ready to dispatch Coop when Holly comes to the rescue.......In all, a great family picture especially for kids, who can identify with the kids in the film and be wowed by the animal encounters. The majestic mountain scenery and verdant foreground make for a relaxing environment between animal emergencies.

My mother took me to see this movie at the theater when I was 10 years old, and it is one of my all-time favorites. It has all the elements that make movies great: soothing music, breath-taking scenery, suspense, humor, and adventure. Right from the start you are drawn into the movie by the charm of Zachariah Coop, a trickster by trade. While running from the mischief he stirred up at his last gig, meets up with two kids who are in need of some adult help and protection to see them safely over the mountains. After the unfortunate timing of their meeting, they struggle to regain each other's trust, which they know is the only way they will be able make it. The wolf scene was incredible. The director should have won awards for that.

An acceptable story line about two orphaned kids who reluctantly accept the assistance of a nice guy gambler on the run from past misfortune. Through trials and dangers a bond is formed between these likable characters. I rate this movie high simply for the good feeling you get watching it. Some of the animal scenes are completely unrealistic (a grizzly outdone by everyone including a few kids) but this seems to be the norm with these types of movies. It's also my peeve in the Genre but one must be capable of a more emotional response to fully appreciate what is being said in a film like this. Cue the imagination. What the movie gives up in "believability", regarding the animal scenes, it more than makes up for in filming locations. I was surprised to see the Peyto lake scenes as this is a very rugged and remote area of Alberta to shoot. Some real hiking may have been necessary for these shots but they are spectacular. A few good stunts; like a man and cougar fall from a cliff, add to the appeal. Overall, this is "feel good" 70's movie material.

Starring: Across the Great Divide is a 1976 film that stars Robert Logan, Heather Rattray, and George Buck Flower. The film was shot on location in Utah and Canada. The movie is rated G in the Summary: From the producer of the Wilderness Family series comes a film about two orphaned youngsters set out to claim their rightful inheritance-a 400-acre plot of land in Salem Oregon. To do so necessitates their crossing the rugged snow covered Colorado Rocky Mountains in the 1876. On their Journey, these pioneer children cross paths with Zachariah Coop, an irresistible film-flam man. They were friends of fate…an unlikely combination of frontier trickery and pioneer innocence. The children did not always approve of Zach's way, but he was their only hope. Together this unlikely threesome, through companionship and love, struggle to survive an incredible journey. They face perilous dangers and challenges of the wilderness and gain the mutual respect of the Blackfoot Indians. It is much more than a dynamic outdoor adventure story about man against nature for it is human nature-of relationships and their tenacious hold on to their dream. Questions: Why did the kids join MR Coop? What kind of hazards did the kids have to deal with? Do the kids make it where there trying to? My Thoughts: This was the first of three films that Heather Rattray did with Robert Logan and Rattray when on years later to play Victoria Newman on the Young and The Restless Soap Opera. The movie it's self I would give a six however, when you add in the country and its beauty through out the movie then this movie jumps to a 9.