Tonka

1958 "The untold story behind the West's strangest legend!"
6.2| 1h38m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 25 December 1958 Released
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Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

Young Indian brave White Bull captures and tames a wild stallion and names him Tonka. But when White Bull's cruel cousin claims Tonka for his own and mistreats the horse, White Bull sets him free. Tonka finally finds a home with Capt. Keogh and the 7th Calvary, and in 1876, rides into the Battle of Little Big Horn with General Armstrong Custer, becoming its only survivor.

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Reviews

Organnall Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,
WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Whitech It is not only a funny movie, but it allows a great amount of joy for anyone who watches it.
Asad Almond A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.
Falconeer This rare title from 1958 features the amazing and charismatic Sal Mineo as a young Indian brave, who captures and trains a horse that will become his friend, and later his ally in one of the bloodiest battles in American history. Tough subject for a Disney production, but the famed "Battle of Little Big Horn" led by General Armstrong Custer, against a surprisingly well-armed and well-prepared Indian tribe, is handled very effectively, and impressively, without downplaying the violence. The first segment of this gem of a film focuses entirely on the bond that develops between White Bull (Sal Mineo) and his wild horse, as the Indian brave trains Tonka to trust him. The way in which White Bull is always trying to win the respect of his mother, and of his tribe, and to prove his manhood, is done in a most believable way. And when Tonka falls into the hands of the White troops, the story switches gears and becomes a bit more of an adult Western. The final battle is swift and bloody, but there is a happy resolution for the Indian boy and his horse. It is a nice change of pace to see the Indians portrayed, not as savages, but as people with hearts and pride in their land, and love for their kin. And whoever thought of General Armstrong Custer as some kind of "hero" will be surprised to see that he is portrayed as anything but a hero. Seen as a blue-eyed racist, a rabid hater of the Indians, a people who were having their land and their heritage savagely ripped apart by the new arrivals. After 30 years, Disney has finally issued a legitimate DVD for the title "Tonka." The picture quality is pristine, taken from a master that is in fine shape. Colors are bold and images are sharp. Wonderful, especially considering the age and rarity of the title. Almost none of Sal Mineo's films have had legit video releases, so this makes this one even more important. "Tonka" is a superb example of a certain era and style of film-making that is gone, but not forgotten. A true classic, available again to a new generation.
classicconversions-1 Walt Disney is the reason I now live in Tenn. He is also responsible for my interest in early American history. I seen the 'Davy Crockett' series when it was shown on TV in the 1950's. I have never gotten over it. I have over 350 books on this subject. And, all the movies made about Davy Crockett and The Alamo. Some are better than others, BUT, they are all great!I loved the story of Tonka. I read the book in school and I have many, many books and movies about 'Custer's Last Stand'. I moved to Tenn and was at the 'Crockett Tavern Museum for about 9 years.. I am thankful to Walt Disney for the many historic themes he turned into movies.
hlwella I too have seen this movie when I was a child around 6 or 7 years old. I have recently been fortunate to receive it as a gift since it is my favorite movie of all time. It was a "Disney" movie. The color of the mane was something I truly did not pay attention to even on my most recent view of the movie. Looking back, I still did not expect to see history accurately portrayed with the history of Hollywood. To me it was a movie about a horse a brave and the love and respect between them. It was also a store of a Native American and a step to become a man in his culture. It was for entertainment. It is a movie I look forward to sharing with my granddaughter when she is 5 or 7 years. I hope and believe it will deliver to her what it did to me. A movie for the young of a horse and one who is blessed by its present in his life. I can not help still seeing some parts in my own child's eyes.
Michael O'Keefe A real wholesome movie, especially from the perspective of the American-Indian. If not mistaken, back when this was released it was meant to be a Sal Mineo vehicle. Mineo plays White Bull, a young boy coming to grips with becoming a man. Others of note in this scenic drama are Joy Page, Rafael Campos, Slim Pickens and John War Eagle. Doubtful you would watch this more than once.