Kidnapped (1960)

Overrated and overhyped

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

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Walt Disney adapts Robert Louis Stevenson's classic 1886 story in a bright colourful romp but retains the darker elements of the story such as the murder of the cabin boy.James MacArthur better known from classic Hawaii Five-O struggles with whatever British accent he is attempting but comes across as a vulnerable but likable David Balfour who after his father dies visits his miserly uncle Ebenezer who attempts to kill him in an accident and when that fails lures him to a ship that is due to take him to the Americas as an indentured labourer.In his voyage he comes across Alan Breck Stewart (Peter Finch) who the ship captain plots to kill for his money. David warns Alan and the two are able to overcome the murderous crew and escape ashore. Stewart is a Jacobite wanted for murder but both make it back to safety where David confronts Ebenezer as tries to claims his inheritance.Peter Finch known for serious dramas rather enjoys himself in this Disney film and pitches his performance just right. He has a bagpipe duel with a young Peter O'Toole who is also a hoot in his brief scene.The film loses steam a little at the last stretch but is a fun, unpretentious film and it was shot in Britain.

A very enjoyable and surprisingly faithful Disney adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic 1886 novel which retains some of its darker moments, including Shuan murdering the cabin boy Ransome. Future "Hawaii Five-O" star James MacArthur, the only American in the cast, is very likable and generally very good as David Balfour, which meant that I could live with the fact that his Scottish accent is very variable: sometimes good, sometimes non-existent. Peter Finch is excellent as Alan Breck Stewart. I was surprised that the film kept some of his less savoury attributes in place. It has a very good cast overall, including John Laurie (the most prominent real life Scot in the film), Bernard Lee (who does the best Scottish accent out of the non-Scots), Niall MacGinnis, Finlay Currie, Miles Malleson, Eileen Way, Andrew Cruickshank, Duncan Macrae and, in his first film appearance, the late, great Peter O'Toole. It loses momentum somewhat in its last half hour but it's still a very entertaining film. Funnily enough, the film is directed by Disney stalwart Robert Stevenson, who was no relation to the author of the novel.

I am a big fan of Disney and Kidnapped! is no exception. While dragging in spots, it is a rollicking good time and very faithful to the spirit of Robert Louis Stevenson's fine book. The costumes, cinematography and sets are typically splendid, and the score is very rousing. The story is exciting with plenty of cool and intelligent moments and also some energetic action sequences, the script is literate, the direction is solid and we are further treated to a brilliant performance from Peter Finch in one of those roles I will best remember him by. The support performances are equally impressive, in particular it was great to see a handsome Peter O'Toole. Overall, a fine adaptation and for me one of the better live-action Disney films. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I know an honest appraisal when I see one. Add to that droits_de_l_homme is from Scotland so he knows what he is talking about. I just know I have always loved this movie. I have always been a fan of classic writers like Stevenson and Dickens. This Disney movie is long overdue for putting on DVD. Why such a great piece of work with a stellar cast has not been put on DVD before now is beyond me. I bought the VHS many years ago and I am glad I did as it is OOP now. If you are lucky enough to catch it on TV I am sure you will agree it is a masterpiece of family entertainment with an accurate depiction of Scottish history thrown in for good measure. I always hoped this would come out on DVD with Disney talking about the story behind it as he often did when these were made for the Disney TV show.