The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1960): Dir: Michael Curtiz / Cast: Eddie Hodges, Archie Moore, Tony Randall, Patty McCormack, Neville Brand: Family adventure about desires seen through our imagination. Young Huck Finn goes a step further when he fakes his own murder to escape his abusive drunken father but when their black slave Jim is suspected Finn takes him along. From there it is a series of events involving a steamship, a circus and a couple of thieves. Families will likely enjoy its charm but the ending is sudden and unsatisfactory. Director Michael Curtiz achieved stardom with Casablanca but his family films are lacking in the screen writing department. This film along with The Adventures of Robin Hood are well made but exist more for production than writing talent. Eddie Hodges as Finn is bumped about through numerous subplots along with Archie Moore as the loyal slave Jim. Both performers are charming and rise above plot conventions. The supporting work from the likes of Tony Randall and Patty McCormack are saving graces in an otherwise lukewarm story build around useless subplots. There is much that doesn't play into a realistic set of events, which results in shabby screen writing. Strong themes regarding adventure, courage, persistence, and friendship make this worthwhile fine viewing for families. Score: 7 / 10
