Not to be confused with the1951 western "Along the Great Divide" nor with the rather similar "The Adventures of the Wilderness Family", which came out the year before, with the same producer(Arthur Dubs) and director(Stewart Raffill) and same male lead((Robert Logan). I would say this film is more interesting than the prior film. It features a friendly runaway crooked gambler(Logan as Coop), being chased by an angry party. He encounters a couple of kids(perhaps 11y.o. Holly Smith and her perhaps 7y.o. brother Jason) said to be on their way to Oregon to claim a 400acre farm. Everyone seems woefully prepared to survive such a trek! Virtually nothing is said about food, through the film. They shot one deer, but had to give it up due to interference by a bear. This was the first of 3 life-threatening encounters with a grizzly. They are also attacked by a partially grown cougar and by a pack of howling wolves. Of course, they suffer minimal injuries, in ferocious-looking encounters. Don't know how they staged these? In between, there are various non-threatening encounters with wildlife, especially young animals. Their dog sometimes plays with them, including a herd of bison. At one point, they encounter a friendly Indian tribe and spend a night with them. They maneuver a canoe through some rapids, before ditching it. Now, they need horses again. They happen upon a group of trappers with some extra horses. They try to buy 2, but lack enough money for one. Thus, Coop suggests a card game. With trickery, he keeps winning, until they have enough money for the 2 horses. Unfortunately, the mountain men are sore losers, and are ready to dispatch Coop when Holly comes to the rescue.......In all, a great family picture especially for kids, who can identify with the kids in the film and be wowed by the animal encounters. The majestic mountain scenery and verdant foreground make for a relaxing environment between animal emergencies.

My mother took me to see this movie at the theater when I was 10 years old, and it is one of my all-time favorites. It has all the elements that make movies great: soothing music, breath-taking scenery, suspense, humor, and adventure. Right from the start you are drawn into the movie by the charm of Zachariah Coop, a trickster by trade. While running from the mischief he stirred up at his last gig, meets up with two kids who are in need of some adult help and protection to see them safely over the mountains. After the unfortunate timing of their meeting, they struggle to regain each other's trust, which they know is the only way they will be able make it. The wolf scene was incredible. The director should have won awards for that.

This is a good film for family or an easy watch. The plot is not very compelling and the acting is remote. However, this was filmed in Utah and Canada, and the critters are very present, often at odds to the desires of the main party. The wolf scene is quite dramatic. Obviously the film makers were equipped to shoot outdoors as the colors and details are quite good for the time period. About 3/4 of the way through the movie, the party passes a lake. I am guessing it is the famous Peyto Lake in Canada's Banff NP, a truly spectacular place. If you like a wholesome movie, with lots of critters and big wild lands this movie is worth a view. Nice dog, too!

Holly and Jason Smith (Heather Rattray and Mark Edward Hall, respectively) are a brother/sister combo out on the open trail. Trying to get to Oregon before their miserly uncle claims some land that is rightfully theirs, the kids run across a kind-hearted gambler, Zachariah Coop (Robert Logan). Although they get off to a rocky start, their relationship together grows out of necessity of their dependence on each other. They slowly learn to trust one another, and as a team make steady progress to Oregon. Director Raffill has directed quite a few of the outdoor, family adventure films as of late, and his love for nature shines through his lens. `Across the Great Divide' had a few gratuitous `fear for your life' moments, but definitely holds its own against other outdoor adventure films made in the 1970's. For viewers looking for films with good morals, this also has lessons learned out the wazoo. Rating: 25/40