As most of you know, I am a direct descendant of Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, so I tend to be a bit critical of the movies based on RLS's work, and this is certainly one of the least interesting. Admittedly, I'd give it around a fifty percent mark, but, all told, it's a pretty undistinguished remake if ever there was one. I'll admit the acting is serviceable enough, and I always have a soft spot for Peter Finch, a fine actor who really took his profession very seriously indeed. In fact, far too seriously. It killed him in the end. But that's exactly the problem. You can worry too much about your own performance and put far too much of your power into it. If the script asks you to get angry, well then you really do get angry and pour out so much genuine anger that you can really give yourself a heart attack. That's why I stopped acting. I became the person I was portraying, and if he was angry enough to induce a heart attack, then I was equally angry in my own heart and soul. But it really comes down to the director's responsibility. If he thinks I'm too robust, he can tone me down. If he thinks my interpretation is all wrong, he can tell me how he wants it played. But Finchy was always his own taskmaster – and an extremely hard taskmaster at that! He really threw himself into a role! Well, getting back to this movie, another of my main problems is that twenty-two year-old James MacArthur is too old for the part of David Balfour. Maybe I'm wrong, but I see him as a young boy in his early teens – fifteen or sixteen at the most!

Kidnapped is directed by Robert Stevenson, is based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and stars Peter Finch, James MacArthur, John Laurie, Bernard Lee and Peter O'Toole.David Balfour (James MacArthur)gets caught up in the adventure of a lifetime when he befriends the mysterious Alan Breck Stewart (Peter Finch). Stewart is a Jacobite and is wanted by the British. Stewart and Balfour find themselves pursued by soldiers and must be careful who they trust (including some fellow Scotsmen).This version really focuses on the growing friendship between Balfour and Stewart, they come to trust one another and Stewart is grateful for the younger mans help and loyalty. Finch is excellent portraying Stewart as a brave and fearless man who is easy to like and trust, he also shows that he is quick tempered, a drinker and is very impatient. We also see Balfour being taught how to survive in the world, Stewart teaches him how to trust, how to survive and even when necessary how to kill.There's strong support especially from John Laurie as Balfour's scheming uncle Ebenezer, he steals every scene he is in. Bernard Lee is excellent as a ships Captain who has a conscience despite doing some bad things and a young Peter O'Toole is memorable as Robin MacGregor, the scene where he and Finch have a contest to see who is better at bagpipe playing is a highlight.

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.

When I watched this movie as a child, I was amazed and in awe by this adventure story that unfolded before me. In spite of the fact that I'm now older and more critical of the films I view, I couldn't help but admire the acting of Peter Finch and the others. Upon a recent viewing, I realized that much of the depth that makes this film so enjoyable was extremely overlooked in my youth. While the adventure is no "Jurassic Park," the story that unfolds about friendship, courage and determination allows me to recognize this film, not only as a childhood favorite, but as a timeless classic which I think people of all ages can and will enjoy. Rent it, buy it or borrow it--you won't be disappointed!