Bless the Beasts and Children

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76%
liked it

Audience Score

User Ratings: 177

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Average Rating: N/A
Reviews Count: 0
Fresh: 0
Rotten: 0

Average Rating: 4/5

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Movie Info

Bless the Beasts and Children is most fondly remembered as the film which introduced the song "Nadia's Theme" (better known as the title music for CBS' Young and the Restless). The film itself is a well-meaning if heavy-handed tale of six idealistic young boys whom come to the rescue of a buffalo herd. There's a symbiotic relationship between the boys and the beasts: the kids have all been shunted aside as misfits and losers, while the buffalo have likewise been targetted for obscurity. Once the film makes its point, it really has nowhere to go; still, the location photography (with Catalina standing in for Arizona) is outstanding. Besides, how many other films have honored Billy Mumy with top billing?

Rating:

PG
Genre:

Drama
Directed By:

Stanley Kramer
Written By:

Mac Benoff
In Theaters:

Jun 1, 1971 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Feb 7, 2012
Runtime:

102 minutes
Studio:

Sony Pictures Entertainment

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Cast

Bill Mumy
as Teft

Barry Robins
as Cotton

Bob Kramer
as Lally 1

Miles Chapin
as Shecker

Darel Glaser
as Goodenow

Marc Vahanian
as Lally 2

Jesse White
as Sid Shecker

Ken Swofford
as Wheaties

Dave Ketchum
as Camp Director

Charles H. Gray
as Cotton's Father

Elaine Devry
as Cotton's Mother

Wayne Sutherlin
as Hustler

Vanessa Brown
as Goodenow's Mother

William Bramley
as Goodenow's Stepfather

Bruce Glover
as Town Bully

Vincent Van Lynn
as Teft's Father

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Critic Reviews for Bless the Beasts and Children

All Critics (4) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (2) | Rotten (2)

Is it in favor of buffalo? Against parents who cause their children to become neurotic? In favor of neurotic kids because they're more sensitive than well-adjusted kids? An argument for gun control?

Nov 7, 2007 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic
It is flawed, contrived and heavy with symbolism. But its heart is in the right place. It says something, not only about killing dumb animals but about our sense of values.

Oct 19, 2018 | Full Review…

Tony Mastroianni
Cleveland Press
Stanley Kramer's children tale, which is earnest and obvious in its message, is now best known for its Oscar-nominated tune.

Apr 7, 2012 | Rating: C | Full Review…

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
An ensemble piece from start to finish, it's difficult to single out one particular actor for comment.

Nov 7, 2007 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

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