The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

Western Calvary outlaw James Garner (as Clint Keyes) escapes hanging, and heads for the hills. Meanwhile, preteen Clay O'Brien (as Mark) is discovered to be a white boy in an Indian wig, taken from his tribe, and made Christian through baptism by Chaplain Andrew Prine. He runs away and hooks up with Mr. Garner. The bonded pair symbolically travel with a brown adult camel named "Rosie" and a young white one named "Thirsty". A fantasy family is completed when they happen upon pretty widow Vera Miles (as Doris McIver) and blue-eyed daughter Jodie Foster (as Martha). Alas, the men must hit the trail again. Young O'Brien does well, considering the way characters keep checking his bare buttocks to see if he is a real Indian, or not. After lowering the lad's pants, Garner utters the film's best line, "You ain't anymore Cheyenne than I am!" ***** One Little Indian (6/20/73) Bernard McEveety ~ James Garner, Clay O'Brien, Vera Miles, Jodie Foster

You know I watch a great many movies, being disabled and not very mobile can do that to you.From action to romance and thriller to comedy I pretty much enjoy any genre and being this way I have seen a lot of action packed movies. So when one comes my way that is simply a good story with fun and a pleasant message it is refreshing.This is one of those movies! Good, fun, pleasant to watch and with clean non-violent message.James Garner is good fun and plays the role well.Jodie Foster is in it for only a few scenes but you know even seeing her at that age (11 i guess) was kind of neat! Vera Miles also plays her part well.As for the "one little Indian" - Clay O'Brien, he plays his part well, and even the occasional dodgy haircut is forgivable! So in short, if you a looking for a good, clean, family movie I can recommend this one.All the best from Southern Ireland! Kevin

I have watched this many times with my children all 7. And everyone enjoys it. Still we have watched it over and over along with their friends and as stated before everyone who has ever seen this movie watchs it again and again. There are not many family movies around anymore. There should be more movies like this made now adays. Kids will always be kids. Everyone enjoys a good comdey. No matter what age they are. This movie is truely a treasure. How can you not like James Garner. One of many Disney movies for the whole family. This should be put on a dvd and brought back out on the shelves for all to see and watch. So get out the popcorn and get ready for a GOOD family movie.

As a teenager, I have a natural taste for movies with excellent special effects, engaging, innovative plots and good old fashioned gore. However, as a father, I have grown a special appreciation for movies that are simply decent and human. This is one of those. It is a family movie, but with a clever and, well, lovable concept. Well written and well performed, it has the capacity to touch even those who don't want to admit they can be touched, even if it is old.