Andy Griffith got his start playing a bad guy in "A Face in the Crowd." Don't miss that one since it is one of the earlier films on the role of the media in politics. It also shows the way politicians use the good old boy image to mask the Machiavellian schemer beneath, e.g. Reagan, Clinton and Bush 2. Griffith had also just played a very bad dude in "Pray for the Wildcats" where he causes the death of two teenagers because the female rejects his dirty-old-man seduction attempts.This film sticks pretty close to the Robb White original novel (which I got in grade school in the scholastic books weekly reader program in the early 70's). I was very excited to see a movie version since I had just read the novel. The description of the effects of deadly dehydration in the desert are not realized in the movie since to be realistic would have required some serious make-up effects work.

Nineteen year old Sam Bottoms is made to wander miserablythrough the desert without food, water, shoes, or clothes (save apair of shorts). He's been forced to surrender his belongings to asadistic, rifle-wielding adversary -- Andy Griffith (yes, ANDYGRIFFITH -- no kidding!!!). Griffith gets sick kicks from huntingpeople instead of "conventional" prey, and will track Bottoms downfor the big kill unless the youngster can outwit him...Folks familiar with the fine 1930s suspense film "The MostDangerous Game" will see distinct plot parallels. "The MostDangerous Game" possesses one of the most regurgitated plotdevices in Hollywood history: that of the demented hunter with apenchant for tracking down human prey. It's turned up on "FantasyIsland" as well as "Gilligan's Island" and for all we know may oneday make up the plot of a reality-based TV show (God forbid!). However, for any familiarity the material may present, "Savages"gets high marks for offering a fresh retelling of this fable. Full ofurgency, this is highly charged, suspenseful, top flightentertainment turned out by a solid, committed cast. Rugged locales and spare production values enhance what is alurid melodrama full of tension between the principal actors. Thereare even a couple genuine scares that may make you jump out ofyour seat!Andy Griffith is truly arch in his role as villain, brilliantly cast againsttype. He seems to relish this opportunity to stretch every momenthe's on screen (and who can blame him after so many yearsplaying the Good Guy in dreary, old Mayberry?!?). Likable young pup Sam Bottoms appears sincerely vulnerable andsympathetic, trudging barefoot through rugged desert terrain andtumbling down treacherous ravines. He turns in an earnest andathletic performance and for all he goes through, and with the helpof some excellent make-up effects, it's difficult not to imaginesome of his wounds being legit!It winds up being tough to decide who is more fun to watch: Griffith, grinning lasciviously from ear to ear as he harasses andtorments his young prey...the sadistic overtones of his characterbarely restrained... ...or golden-boy hottie Bottoms, the bewildered but stalwart hero,first degraded at gunpoint to strip for the camera, then forced tosubject his lithe, attractive body to any number of physicalhumiliations brought about by the punishing landscape... ...in all, it's a pretty tasty couple hours of entertainment! "Savages" should inform film enthusiasts and TV-viewers of the21st century (particularly those born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s) thatsome excellent productions were crafted for television way back inthe 1970s. The Movie Of The Week format often proved itself: fresh,young talent was given a place to shine, and veteran performersreceived some choice opportunities to expand their repertoire.

This is one of the best TV movies I have ever seen, and easily the most sadistic. Andy Griffith is absolute perfection as the crippled big city predatory lawyer and hunting enthusiast who turns guide and nature lover Sam Bottoms into his prey. His performance is a true work of art. But, all the entire players, including Noah Beery Jr. and James Best are perfectly cast. A true game of hearts, mind, and soul. Not to be missed. 10/10

At the time I thought this was a totally different path for the usually good natured roles that Andy Griffith did. He played the psychopathic hunter to perfection as he stalked the terrified boy through the wilderness. This story has been done several times in differing ways, but this one remains one of my favorites.