Mark Twain purists might take issue with the changes made in the story of the
classic Huckleberry Finn. But I rather like the approach that was taken here and also the performance of Jeff East in the title role.
This was East's second film, he debuted the previous year in Tom Sawyer also playing Huck Finn. Later on he would be young Clark Kent in the blockbuster
Superman film.
Harvey Korman and David Wayne are nothing short of brilliant as those two
rogues the 'king' and the 'duke'. Both look like they are having a great old
time. Gary Merrill is superb as Huck Finn's white trash Pap.
In this post civil rights era film particular emphasis is placed on Huck's relationship with runaway slave Jim with whom he shares that raft on the
Mississppi. The optimism of Twain's work stems from the white trash background that Huck has, but that how he thinks and reasons and generally
tries to rise above it. Some very good scenes are shared with East and with
Paul Winfield as Jim.
The Sherman Brothers musical score is serviceable for the film, but nothing
outstanding. The sets and cinematography really do convey life in the ante
bellum souh and border states.
You can't go wrong with this adaption of Huckleberry Finn.
