The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1960) User Reviews

Such a Lot of World to See

[wes-connors · 5/10 · 24 June 2009]

Mississippi River rafting with Eddie Hodges (as Huck) and Archie Moore (as Jim) impersonating Mark Twain's pair of runaway drifters. Despite the obvious attempt to be a classy production, with a well-intentioned assemblage of cast and crew, this version sinks like a pebble (if not a stone). It's overcast and miscast, but occasionally satisfying. Lucky young Hodges, who sang with Frank Sinatra, has a great scene with Andy Devine and Buster Keaton. Apparently, 20th century filmmakers were too shy to truly transfer all "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" to film. What they hinted at (or left out completely) can be found by reading the book - or, if you're lazy, listen to a vocal version of "Moon River". We're after the same rainbow's end.

***** The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (6/17/60) Michael Curtiz ~ Eddie Hodges, Archie Moore, Tony Randall

Entertaining but fans of the book may not find it so.

[jazza923 · 6/10 · 3 April 2010]

68/100. Although it takes quite a few liberties with the Mark Twain novel, the appearances of many well known guest stars and an exceptional quality in its production make it a very entertaining movie. It appears they were trying to make it more of a movie geared more towards family viewing.

Fine cinematography and art direction. I was never bored, it wisely is not too long. Eddie Hodges is a little weak as Huckleberry Finn, and since it is such a pivotal role, that does hurt the effectiveness of the film somewhat. Tony Randall is very good, Buster Keaton has a nice bit as well, as does Andy Devine, Sterling Holloway and Neville Brand.

Great performances aide this unique re-telling of Twain's classic.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 3 December 2019]

Fresh from Broadway's "The Music Man" and MGM's "A Hole in the Head", Eddie Hodges seems a bit too well spoken to be cast as Huckleberry Finn in this remake that MGM had done 20 years before with Mickey Rooney. However, he's quite endearing, especially when on his own with the slave Jim (played beautifully by Archie Moore) and when dealing with his drunken father (an excellent Neville Brand) who kidnapped him from the Widow Douglas (Josephine Hutchinson). Huck fakes his death to get away from his brutal father and ends up encountering conman Tony Randall and Mickey Shaughnessy who suspect the truth about the two whom they hitch a ride with on Huck's raft.

It turns out that Randall and Shaugnessy are out to fleece the grieving Patty McCormack and Sherry Jackson, but that's a quick con that is easily exposed. The episodic nature of the story is obvious but energetically performed with veteran actors Minerva Urecal, Buster Keaton, Sterling Holloway, John Carradine and Judy Canova in nice cameos.

It's the comaradarie between the free spirited Huck and the freedom seeking Jim that stands out to give this story real purpose. The narrative shows how Huck's feelings are altered as his mission to ensure Jim's dream (which also includes being reunited with his wife and family) becomes the focus. There really wasn't a need to include a few brief songs (none of which are memorable) but that's one of the few flaws. Some of the photography is mighty blurry considering the night setting on the mighty Mississippi, and the narrative takes a few minor liberties, but as directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz, it's a decent variation of the great American novel.

Wonderful Movie Ð Wonderful Music

[hud_bannon · 23 April 2004]

I had the pleasure of watching the final scene of this film being shot back in 1959. I was six years old and witnessing this began my lifelong love for the movies. When the film arrived in our city, I was struck by Jerome Morross' incredible music score, which completely captured the sense of adventure, wonder and beauty of life on the Mississippi River and rural Missouri. The film itself is robust, dramatic and filled with Mark Twain's colorful, classic words. The cast is perfect and Michael Curtiz' direction keeps the action flowing. This is a wonderful film for all ages.

story of friendship

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 26 March 2021]

It's the Mark Twain classic. Huckleberry Finn fakes his own death to escape his abusive father. He travels down the Mississippi River with fellow runaway, a slave named Jim. They form a strong bond and encounter various people including two con men. I've never read the book. Somehow, I escaped it in school. I do know the broad strokes. The movie has a bit of cursing and I counted one n* word. There could be more but it's not quite the book. I can't talk to the faithfulness of the adaptation. The story is much more fitting for a mini-series with its episodic nature. The kid is pretty good. He has the rambunctiousness. Jim needs a bigger performer. It's easier to dial it down than it is to dial it up. All in all, their friendship is what sells the movie and the story. They do well in that aspect and thereby makes this movie work.

Decent

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 29 October 2013]

Adaptation-wise, die-hard fans of the book will find plenty of fault. On its own this film is not bad at all, actually from this viewer's perspective it was decent. Of the 5 Huckleberry Finn adaptations on film that I've seen it is around the middle, with the 1938 Mickey Rooney film being the best and the 1975 Ron Howard film(the only one of the 5 that was anywhere close to bad) being the worst. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn(1970) could have been better. Eddie Hodges was a little weak and somewhat too prim for Huck and while there are some tense, heart-warming and moving moments the storytelling could have been much stronger. The additions and some omissions didn't always make the narrative cohesive(for example much more could have been done with the ending)- though the Ron Howard does a much worse job at this- and because the grimmer parts of the book are trimmed down or diluted there are times, not always mind, where things did come across as a little on the "cute" side. The adaptation is beautifully filmed though with evocative and quite charming locations and river settings(where the photography was at its most striking). The music score is rousing, foreboding and poignant at all the times it's called for and it is placed appropriately, while the scripting is colourful and generally makes an effort to capture the spirit of Mark Twain's own writing and while not all the storytelling is as good as it could've been it is difficult not to be moved by Jim's talking of his deaf child(something that anybody would identify with). The acting is good generally. Archie Moore is just great and very dignified as Jim(his chemistry with Hodges just about convinces), while Neville Brand is a brutish Pap, Mickey Shaughnessy is appropriately oafish with an ability to be menacing and humorous and Tony Randall's King is superbly conniving. Buster Keaton and Andy Devine also make lively appearances in one of the more delightful and chemistry-strong scenes of the film. All in all, a decent film but "purists" may want to look elsewhere. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Entertaining adaptation of Twain's classic novel

[weezeralfalfa · 7/10 · 26 April 2018]

This is one of a number of film adaptations of Mark Twain's classic novel of the same title. I haven't seen any others to compare. Although Eddie Hodges, as Huck Finn, and Archie Moore, as African American slave Jim, are the principle characters, I vote for Tony Randall as giving the stand out acting performance, as con man the 'King', along with his accomplice Mickey Shaughnessy, as the 'Duke'........In general, I found it an entertaining experience. Neville Brand plays Huck's scary ne'er do well alcoholic father, Papy, who is always criticizing Huck. He even accuses Huck of murdering his mother, since she died in childbirth. Jose Hutchinson plays the widow Douglas, who takes Huck in, being essentially an orphan. Jim, slave to the widow, runs away after he heard that she was planning on selling him to raise money to meet Papy's demand for not taking Huck way. Jim is also accused of probably murdering Huck, in Huck's staged suggestion that he had been attacked and thrown in the river. These two runaways meet and steal a raft to float down the Mississippi.......I have several reality issues to discuss. Jim's stated goal is to float down to Cairo, Illinois, a free state, and head north. But, Hannibal , Missouri, where he started from, is well north of Cairo. So, why couldn't he simply raft over to the Illinois side of the river and claim freedom?? 2)Jim recognizes the corpse in the derelict house boat they run into as being that of Papy, and refuses to allow Huck to see in that room. How did Papy's corpse wind up there? He lived in a shack. 3)Why are the King and the Duke on the steamboat that picked up Huck and Jim? They were arrested by the sheriff and presumably put in jail, unless they simply paid a fine for impersonating, with the intent of robbing an inheritance. See it In color at YouTube

Charming and agreeable adaptation based on the American classic novel written by Mark Twain

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 26 January 2022]

This Huckleberry Finn was well directed by Michael Curtiz and boasts a good cast , such as Tony Randall , Eddie Hodges , Archie Moore , Buster Keaton , Neville Brand , Finlay Currie and several others . Resulting to be an attractive and fun attempt at adapting an American favorite written by Mark Twain . An amusing retelling of the Mark Twain tale about the adventures encountered by Huckleberry Finn (Eddie Hodges) when escapes from the widow Douglas (Josephine Hutchinson) and along with the runaway slave (Archie Moore) wanted for reward , they travel down the muddy Mississipi river , as they take a risked raft . While working on life for his unsentimental education , as a deep friendship emerges and getting into all sorts of adventures and suffering hard times in pre-civil war . Along the way , they meet a peculiar duo of swindlers , two con actors nicknamed Duke (Mickey Shaughnessy) and King of France (Tony Randal) posing as two wealthy heirs of a deceased brother , then things begin to liven up . The most exciting adventures a boy ever had ! . Hilarious escapades, hair-raising adventures on the fabulous Mississippi!

This is a wonderful world of excitement with silly messes , emotion , hilarious scenes and amusement for the entire family . Top-notch cast makes this an entertaining version , giving splendid interpretations . Eddie Hodges provides a nice performance as the resourceful and cheeky artful dodger . Hodges and Archie Moore create a sensitive and charming couple , both of whom set out in search for freedom and adventure. They're well accompanied by a great support cast , such as : Neville Brand , Tony Randal, Patty McCormack , Mickey Shaughnessy , John Carradine, Judy Canova , Andy Devine , Sherry Jackson , Royal Dano , Stanley Holloway, Buster Keaton , Finlay Currie , Josephine Hutchinson and brief appearance by Harry Dean Stanton in one of his first roles . The movie packs an enjoyable and thrilling musical score by Jerome Moross . And a colorful and brilliant cinematography by Ted Moore . The motion picture was efficiently but unexceptionally directed by Michael Curtiz , and being inferior to subsequent 1993 rendition directed by Stephen Sommers and starred by Elijah Wood . Curtiz was a good writer , producer , director who has made a lot of successful films and various classics , such as : Robin Hood , Captain Blood , White Christmas , Yankee Doodle Dandy , Passage to Marseille , Jim Thorpe , Mildred Pierce , Sea Hawk and , of course, Casablanca.

This classic novel has got several renditions , such as : silent version 192o ; Adventures Huckleberry Finn 1939 by Richard Thorpe with Mickey Rooney , Rex Ingram , William Frawley , Walter Connolly ; Huckleberry Finn 1975 by Robert Totten with Ron Howard , Royal Dano , Antonio Fargas ; Huckleberry Finn 1975 by J Lee Thompson with Jeff East , Paul Winfield ; Huckleberry Finn 1978 by Jack Hively with Forrest Tucker , Larry Storch , Brock Peters ; Huckleberry Finn 1985 by Peter H Hunt with Sada Thompson , Lilian Gish , Barnard Hughes ; Huck and the king of hearts 1993 by Michael Keusch with Graham Greene , Leopardi , Dee Wallace Stone , Joe Piscopo ; The Adventures of Huck Finn 1993 by Stephen Sommers with Eljah Wood , Courtney B. Vance , Dana Ivey , Ron Perlman , Jason Robards , Robbie Coltrane and Adventures of Tom and Huck by Stephen Sommers with Joel Courtney and Jack Austin.

Charming adaptation of Mark Twain's novel...

[dwpollar · 7/10 · 29 January 2010]

1st watched 1/27/2010 - 7 out of 10 (Dir-Michael Curtiz): Charming adaptation of Mark Twain's novel is fun and well played for the most part. The story revolves around an upstart boy of the title who has an alcoholic father and overly religious aunt that brings him to a point of faking his own death in order to escape and debark on an adventure to New Orleans by way of the Mississippi River. He brings along a slave named Jim and they meet up with various characters with Huck always playing himself out of messes by pretending and making up stories. Eddie Hodges as Huck and Archie Moore as Jim make up a good team as the pair who really need each other. Jim was blamed for Huck's death so his goal is to escape North into Illinois so he can be a free man as well escaping the law. Huck is just avoiding his sad life in hopes for an adventure. He actually makes the adventures happen as he goes along including an escapade with a couple of crooks posing as the King of France and a Duke. Huck is a pretty smart cookie, though, and knows when to escape from them but they come back later in the story to try and turn Jim into the authorities for the ransom money. Tony Curtis plays the King and is supposedly the star of the movie but doesn't really add much to the movie by his performance -- the real stars are the actors in the main characters already mentioned. When the movie ends, you want to carry on with the characters to see what happens to them next and this shows the true wealth of the story. I don't ever think Twain make a Huck 2 though, which is a shame.

Let the Quest Begin.

[anaconda-40658 · 7/10 · 9 July 2015]

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

Royal Nonesuch

[U-Tigers · 4/10 · 18 November 2007]

Although the movie was mildly entertaining, it is a very poor representation of Mark Twain’s book on which this movie is “based.” Crucial character elements are either weakly represented or altogether missing from the movie. In the book, Huck Finn, a young boy, and Jim, a runaway slave, travel far down the Mississippi River from their starting point in Missouri. In this movie, they only get a mile or two past Illinois. The book portrays Jim as a kind-hearted, loving person who wants freedom for himself and his family. In this movie, he is seen as a simpleton and gives the impression that the entire story is racist. Although the movie may not show it, Twain was an abolitionist. In the book, Huck overcomes the prejudices of his upbringing and helps Jim to become free, even if Huck must go to hell for doing so.

Eddie Hodges and Archie Moore performed decently in this movie from a pure entertainment point of view, but neither of their characters showed the elements which Train created in them. Michael Curtiz and James Lee allowed elements of Twain’s book to be reorganized or left out altogether. They even created two scenes which never existed even in part in the book. If you don not mind mediocre acting, by all means go ahead and watch this movie, but do not think for one second that it reflects accurately the image or message which Twain created in his book.

Nice and entertaining Mark Twain

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 5 August 2005]

Purists of Mark Twain will find fault with this adaption of Huckleberry Finn, but I like it and I think it captures the charm of Twain and the moral lessons he was trying to teach.

Small town America, it's strengths and weaknesses is a subject done to death in novels, plays and film. I myself just did a review of This Boy's Life which has some of the same themes as Huckleberry Finn. Hannibal, Missouri of the 19th century sure had more charm than Concrete, Washington of the 20th century. Yet Eddie Hodges as Huck Finn had to leave it to fulfill his destiny as surely as Leonard DiCaprio had to leave Concrete.

In fact the most riveting performance in this film is Neville Brand as Huck Finn's Pap. He's as bigoted and narrow-minded, though more explicitly racist than Robert DeNiro in This Boy's Life. Today we would call someone like Neville Brand, trailer park trash.

Because the two are on screen for nearly the whole time, the players essaying the parts of Huck and Jim have to be good and have good chemistry. Archie Moore who was the reigning Light Heavyweight Champion when this was made delivers a great performance as the runaway slave Jim. As does Eddie Hodges as Huck. One theme of Twain's that remains intact is Huck's growth as a human being after being thrown together with Jim who he now sees as a person instead of property.

In fact MGM put together an excellent supporting cast for tyro players Eddie Hodges and Archie Moore. Tony Randall and Mickey Shaughnessy as con men King and Duke are a joy to watch. The whole movie is.

Mark Twain is spinning in his grave!

[pasojabber · 2/10 · 15 January 2005]

Michael Curtiz should have been thoroughly ashamed of himself when he was finished with this production. I can understand why directors will shorten or paraphrase certain adaptations from well-known literature, but to make wholesale changes in an American masterpiece is unforgivable. Huge and important parts of the novel were totally absent, or switched around and added to other parts of the movie that made it incomprehensible. Eddie Hodges (and Archie Moore) were terrible choices for the two main characters. Aside from never coming even close to a realistic dialect from that time and locale, neither actor were truly up to the task. There were some bright spots, though - notably Mickey Shaughnessy and Tony Randall (but even these were wasted.) Overall, a very poor effort and a waste of any true film buff's time. It leaves a very bad taste in one's mouth. Twain deserves better. If you want to see a better version, check out the 1939 version with Mickey Rooney.

Was this the last time literature and film met?

[greenfrog · 10/10 · 28 November 2002]

All the acting was superb. The sets were...well, it was 1960. But the script! To hear Mark Twain so joyfully transposed, and so artfully accurate for the film characters and actors! What a straight, simple joy to see this film, made to entertain and doing it proudly, with all concerned -- actors and director mainly -- working on the same premise. And tell me Tony Randall didn't go home whistling after every day on the set! But this was Mark Twain done proud. How many other great writers so easily lend themselves to film scripts? What a writer! What fun he had with phrases, sayings and words. And how well all that was put to use in this movie. And PS Archie Moore was a great heavyweight.

good night Huck and Jim wherever you are

[kirk_bones · 10/10 · 24 January 2006]

From the opening scene of the sun setting over the Missisippi,this film takes you on a magical adventure that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.Eddie Hodges is perfectly cast as young Huckleberry Finn who sets off to find adventure along the Mississippi. He is joined by Jim,Archie Moore, a runaway slave who wants to get to the free lands and become a free man. This movie is filled with classic supporting characters from two con men who want to rob the rich to line their own pockets to a circus owner who paints a donkey black and white to make a fake zebra. There are many classic scenes,almost too many to mention, so i will name the most memorable.They include Huck and Jim finding the reason for feuding,Huck dressing up as a girl to rescue a captured Jim and Huck passing off Jim as the emperor of Patagonia. This film is also filled with beauty ,physical and spiritual including the two friends sitting on their raft talking about sin while looking at the stars . The thing that overrides the whole movie though is the vibrant colour that brings out the beauty of the river. At the end of this film you would have to have a heart of stone not to shed a tear as the adventure comes to an end. It may have a happy ending but hey don't we all deserve a happy ending. My score has to be 10/10

A film legend does Mark Twain proud with this faithful adaptation.

[ram-30 · 8/10 · 30 October 2000]

From the man who directed "Casablanca" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" comes a colourful, humorous video version of Mark Twain's timeless novel. The casting is superb. It's hard to think of any other actors from the early 1960s in these roles, they are so well chosen. Especially impressive is pro boxer Archie Moore as Jim. His scene where he's talking about his deaf child is heart-wrenching, quite a feat for a cross over athlete. The child actor who plays Huck is very good as well. My honourable mention goes to Tony Randall and Mickey Shaughnessy who make a great comedy team as the King and the Duke. They are simply hilarious. Although many of Twain's adventures are deleted, most of the better known and interesting characters and scenes are included. Many of these characters are played by Hollywood legends like Sterling Holloway(the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Jiminy Cricket), Judy Canova, John Carradine, Neville Brand, and Buster Keaton. All in all, a highly recommended family film.

Good down to earth family movie.

[corey-walker · 10/10 · 24 January 2009]

I just watched this movie on Turner Classic Movies and I really enjoyed it. I don't know how closely it follows the book, as I haven't read this book, just "Tom Sawyer", but I find the movie to be a great family movie. It was fun watching Huck get out of one scrape just in time to get into another. He was always on the run, along with the Widow Douglas' slave, Jim. It made think back to my boyhood days and honestly, it made my boyhood adventures look dull. The plot hearkens back to a time when life was simple and offered more freedom to boys then today's world does. I'm not sure the movie is entirely realistic, but that's quite all right with me. The acting was well done, the colour quality was great for 1960, and the whole plot flowed quite smoothly. I didn't quite understand the ending, which I won't spoil for you. If you like tales of boyhood adventure from an America the world will never see again, you have to see Huck Finn. And it's got some of the greatest actors of the day in it as well. What more can you ask for.

10/10

Great Movie! Highly recommended!

[frogz-1 · 10/10 · 19 November 2007]

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the movie, has been criticized for various reasons. Many believe that in making the movie humorous and enjoyable for audience, it dissolves Mark Twain's message about slavery and twists the plot line of the book. In my opinion, this is a great movie that kept me laughing, crying, and on the edge of my seat. It is true that this movie is very different than the book. For example, in the book, Huck never becomes a cabin boy, and the Kind and the Duke never try to kill Huck. These differences, however, kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was unpredictable, and that made the movie interesting. Mark Twain's message about the moral injustices of slavery is very prominent in the book, but not so prominent in the movie. This movie, however, was intended for entertainment purposes. If you have read this book, you will enjoy the movie. If you haven't read the book, you will also enjoy the movie, but keep in mind that it is nothing like the book. There has been much controversy about the portrayal of Jim and how it denigrates blacks. I do not agree. Jim is actually very smart, and he has another side that he doesn't let Huck see. For example, Jim knows all along that Huck's father was dead, but he cared about Huck enough to not tell him. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a great movie. I recommend it to all audiences!

By far the best version! But have to see it on a big screen!

[JohnHowardReid · 10/10 · 7 November 2016]

This large cast, under the expert direction of Mike Curtiz, does more than justice to the Twain novel. In fact, with its beautiful photography, large budget and fine music score, one wonders why this really superior version of the Clemens' classic has rarely been shown on TV (and then, of course, in a grossly mutilated version). As far as I'm aware, it's not at present available on DVD either. Amazing! Episodes such as that on the deserted boat, tipped at a crazy angle, lapped by the green slime of the swamp, and the scene on board the steamer in which Finlay Currie expounds, in his delightfully resonant voice, the splendor and treachery of the Mississippi, are absolutely unforgettable.

Huck the white dreamer boy and his faithful black friend Jim pursuing his freedom!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 8/10 · 28 April 2020]

I'm deeply disappointed and upset to see this movie so underrated at IMDB with decreased 6.3 of this immortal Mark Twain's novel, which based in his own experience at Mississippi river as steamboat pilot, I watched this movie at my wanders years on 1976, the story is straightforward a masterpiece where a white boy Huckleberry Finn (the fantastic Eddie Hodges) and a black mature slave Jim (Archie Moore) as a fugitive have countless adventures with a couple of dirty rotten scoundrels running down the river, Tony Randall nickname as King of France in his best role ever (together 7 Faces of Dr. Lao), he is flawless as never seen before, he tries to any means cheating everybody with those polite words, having alongside his obtuse buddy Duke, (Mickey Shawghnessy) when Huck unmask them, henceforth the smart Huck and the faithful Jim never got a single instant of unwinding, they crossing their path to delivery Jim to Sheriff to take the reward of 200 buck for catch him, using a smart language pertaining of native Mississippi, the picture flows easy on clean waters, Huck pursuing his dream to know the world, meanwhile Jim wants just his freedom, the chemistry between them is fully authentic given a dynamic duo finest performance, masterfully directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz!!!

Resume:

First watch: 1976 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-Cable TV-DVD-R / Rating: 8.5

Family Friendly...Easy Gentle Story...

[movieed1 · 8/10 · 26 November 2022]

So it's not an accurate adaptation, 'Nuff said.

If you enjoy beautiful cinematography, art design, musical score and well written dialogue this foots the bill.

Gorgeous musical score combined with an original take on Mark Twains classic... this comes in as a second to Mickey Rooney's Huck.

The director is well versed and experienced in setting the tone for the film with excellent imagery the music compliments the story, never overpowers it, allowing the dialogue and acting to guide us along the Mississippi.

Gives us a taste of the old world with accurate dialects, subtle acting and cute little "ditties" of song which give us a feel of the importance of the rhythm of the world at that time.

The challenges of the period are front and center, presented in beauty and subtly.

Highly underrated classic.