Kidnapped (1960 film)

Kidnapped
File:Kidnapped1960poster.jpg Original theatrical poster by Reynold Brown
Directed by	Robert Stevenson
Produced by	Walt Disney
Written by	Robert Stevenson
Based on	Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Starring	Peter Finch James MacArthur Bernard Lee
Music by	Cedric Thorpe Davie
Cinematography	Paul Beeson
Edited by	Gordon Stone
Production company	Walt Disney Productions
Distributed by	Buena Vista Distribution
Release dates	February 24, 1960 (1960-02-24)
Running time	97 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English, Scots

Kidnapped is a 1960 Walt Disney Productions film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic 1886 novel Kidnapped. It stars Peter Finch and James MacArthur, and was Disney's second production based on a novel by Stevenson, the first being Treasure Island. It also marked Peter O'Toole's feature film debut.

Plot

In 18th century Scotland, young David Balfour (James MacArthur) is directed by his recently deceased father's letter to go to the House of Shaws, where he is greeted without much enthusiasm by his miserly uncle Ebenezer (John Laurie). An attempt to arrange a fatal accident makes it clear that Ebenezer has no affection for his nephew. Since David is not sufficiently on his guard, he accompanies Ebenezer to a meeting with a seafaring business associate, Captain Hoseason (Bernard Lee). The captain lures David aboard his ship and shanghais him, at Ebenezer's instigation.

At sea, David learns that he is to be sold into indentured servitude. However, a thick fog comes up and the ship collides with a boat. Alan Breck Stewart (Peter Finch), the only survivor of the latter, is brought aboard and pays for his passage, but the greedy captain plots to kill him for the rest of his money. David warns Alan, and the two are able to overcome the murderous crew. Alan coerces Hoseason into putting them ashore. The ship founders, but David manages to reach land alone.

After several dangerous encounters, he is rescued by Alan, who turns out to be a Jacobite wanted by the authorities. Evading the soldiers, the two make their way back to the House of Shaws, where Alan tricks Ebenezer into admitting his crimes within the hearing of a hidden witness, allowing David to claim his inheritance.

Cast

• Peter Finch as Allan Breck Stewart
• James MacArthur as David Balfour
• Bernard Lee as Captain Hoseason
• John Laurie as Ebenezer Balfour
• Niall MacGinnis as Mr. Shaun
• Finlay Currie as Cluny MacPherson
• Miles Malleson as Mr. Rankeillor
• Duncan Macrae as The Highlander
• Andrew Cruickshank as Colin Campbell
• Peter O'Toole as Robin MacGregor
• Alex Mackenzie as The Ferryman
• Oliver Johnston as Mr. Campbell
• Norman Macowan as Tinker
• Eileen Way as Jennet Clouston
• Edie Martin as the woman on the bridge (from whom Alan Breck buys the pipe and tobacco)
• Abe Barker as Donald Dhu MacLaren
• Richard Evans (uncredited) as Ransome, the cabin boy

Reception

Upon the film's original release, New York Times film critic Eugene Archer gave the film a negative review by stating that, "Either Mr. Disney, who made a vigorous Treasure Island ten years ago, has lost his touch in the intervening decade, or the kids have been spoiled by Gunsmoke and Peter Gunn. Yesterday's audience was definitely not amused."

See also

• List of American films of 1960

External links

• Official website
• Kidnapped at IMDb
• Kidnapped at the TCM Movie Database