The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1938)

I haven't recently seen Mark Twain's classic book this film is based upon, nor seen the several other film adaptations of the book. So, I can't compare this film to these other versions. However, I have read several reviews that say that this film is reasonably faithful to the book.......A much repeated feature is the contrast between the personalities of Tom(Tommy Kelly) and his younger brother Sidney(David Holt). In contrast to Tom, Sidney is always neatly dressed, with plastered down hair, never skips school nor Sunday school, learns his verses, is always on time for supper, and generally does everything that pleases Aunt Polly(May Robson). Occasionally, he does play a dirty trick on Tom, whom he is jealous of, and generally acts superior to Tom. When Tom strikes back and messes up his face and clothes with something soft and messy, Sidney responds by screaming "Aunt Polly!" , and running toward where he thinks she is. These periodic slapstick scenes are a classic example of running gag humor. But if repeated too often, as in this film, they cease to be funny to most........Tom, of course, usually has hair uncombed and clothes dirty and disheveled from playing or working outside. Yet, he is sought after by certain girls, with whom he may 'get engaged' to. He often skips school and Sunday school to go fishing or swimming, and doesn't learn his verses. He is much more likely to play tricks, which are sometimes imaginative, such as the fence whitewashing scheme. In general, he is much more imaginative in his play and work. He is generally brave in the face of adversity, such being whipped for some transgression, or finding a way out of a cave, when lost. In short, he is often bratty. But, Aunt Polly loves him nonetheless, as shown when he and 2 other boys take off on a raft down the Mississippi, and are presumed drowned when they don't show up. Polly's overt attitude toward Tom changes dramatically after he proves his bravery by testifying at the murder trial of Muff Potter(Walter Brennan) ,when he knew that menacing Injun Joe(Victor Jory) might attack him for fingering him as the murderer. Also, his bravery in keeping his head when lost in a large cave, while having to fight off Injun Joe, until he found an opening, and rescued girlfriend Becky, as well. Now, he was a hero to all the town people. When Sidney went screaming to Polly after Tom hit him in the face with a handful of strawberry short cake, she slapped him down! Tom could now be a brat toward his brother with impunity. ....... Most of us can see both good and bad in the personalities of Tom and Sydney, although Tom is better equipped to face life's challenges. We hope that our kids will be somewhere between these two personality extremes......The episode with the 3 presumed drowned boys showing up for their own memorial service doesn't ring plausible. How did they get up to the church balcony, where they were alone, without someone recognizing them? Why didn't the preacher, who had a clear view of them, recognize them, unless his far vision was inadequate? He recognized them immediately, when they later sauntered down the aisle. See it in color at YouTube

just lovely. for the atmosphere, great performance, for pure joy, for respect for novel and courage to filmed a masterpiece in right style. crumb of a time, piece of Selznick creation, it is nostalgic, seductive, fresh and realistic. in few occasions, perfect illustration for book, in other - perfect reflection of everyone childhood. so, it is out of verdicts because it remains, after so many years, a magnificent experience. sure, in shadow of Gone on the wind, it can be an exercise. but its force and shining truth is more authentic than the mega-production. because it is a splendid adaptation. and more. because the sincerity and the fresh air of an unique age, the naiveté , the joyousness, innocence, Tommy Kelly who is Tom and not an actor in character skin, May Robson who gives her entire subtle art in the portrait of aunt Polly are virtues /ingredients of a great film about wonderful universe

This review is of the full 91 minute version. There's another one out that's about 77 minutes.I haven't read "Tomy Sawyer" since I was a kid (I'm in my 40s now) but this movie bought back a lot of good memories! Tom Sawyer (Tommy Kelly) is being bought up by his Aunt Polly (May Robson) along with cousin Mary and the vicious Sid (David Holt). Tom is constantly getting into trouble with his buddy Huckleberry Finn (Jackie Moran). In the course of the movie Tom falls for cute Becky Thatcher (Ann Gillis), runs away from home, witnesses a murder and it ends with him and Becky being chased by the killer. OK--this is far from perfect. Kelly was an unknown--and it shows. He's not good at all. Also the film is episodic...but so was the novel. There's also a young black kid here who comes across as an idiot and is treated pretty badly. I realize that's a sign of its time but it's uncomfortable to watch now. Still this is worth catching.The color is beautiful and the film moves very quickly. Kelly aside all the acting is good (Robson does wonders with her stereotypical role) and I was never bored. The very last bit with Sid and Aunt Polly was just perfect! It also bought back the book to me--I was remembering entire sequences I haven't read since I was a kid. This is also perfect viewing for the entire family. Well-made and worth catching. Try catching the full version.

It is almost hard to believe that this film was made in 1938. The movie is incredibly faithful to the the book. Even when you know the story it is still suspenseful in the cave with Indian Joe (that is the mark of a good movie). This movie belongs on every family's bookshelf and especially a grandparent's.