Sequoia
Sequoia
| 16 January 1935 (USA)
Sequoia Trailers

A wilderness girl raises a deer and a mountain lion to be friends.

Reviews
kidboots

Like most of the reviewers, I recall this film as a beautiful childhood memory, and of course, the scene I vividly recall is the "recognition scene" between Malibu and Gatu. I also remember crying my eyes out and it may have contributed to my love of animals as well. I have been lucky enough to have seen it more recently and, even with the romantic sub-plot, it did not disappoint.Amid the beautiful panorama of the giant forests, a drama is unfolding. Two baby animals, a mountain lion and a deer are left orphaned and are found by Toni (Jean Parker) whose father, Matthew Martin (Samuel S. Hinds) is a writer. He feels that it is only through sheer necessity that animals kill each other. Toni is determined that Malibu, the deer and Gatu, the puma, by growing up together, will love each other. The ranger scoffs at the idea that wild animals can be tamed and he is soon proved right. Chickens start disappearing and Gatu is the chief suspect. Toni and her father are due to return to town, so it is with great sadness that she sets them free, hoping they will always remain friends.Of course, "that scene' when Gatu is just about to strike but realises it is his childhood friend Malibu, sent me running for the tissues. They grow older - Malibu finds a partner, who is shot by Bergman (Paul Hurst, of course) the evil poacher, and leaves his own fawn to be looked after by Toni, who is back in the forest. There is a very exciting scene where Bergman is just about to shoot Malibu but Gatu comes to the rescue. There is a tussle and together they (Bergman and Gatu) roll toward the cliff. The movie ends very optimistically as hunting is finally prohibited in the National Park - every year thousands of deer were slaughtered until the whole country was up in arms. The last scene is Malibu and Gatu frolicking together in the snow.Jean Parker was one of MGM's "sweet young things" discovered in the early thirties. Usually only required to blush prettily and to wipe her tears away coyly, her roles didn't require much pep (she was the angelic Beth in "Little Women" (1933)). "Sequoia" was different and required her to be a bit more spirited. Surprisingly, she had a long career that only petered out in the 50s.Recommended.

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pamlgrm

Vironpride...I just finished watching this black & white film on Turner Classic Movies. So, you'll be happy to know it is still out there. It's an interesting story about animals, a bit far-fetched but fun just the same. The story of the young girl finding the baby animals is sweet, and the fact that they become fast friends is feasible. I'm sure as ten-year-old's you and I would have loved this movie. The story line is a bit hokey but not unusual for the times. There are some beautiful shots of the animals in their natural settings. All-in-all I enjoyed the film, more for the animals than the acting or storyline. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know, it does still exist.

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bmarquardt

I saw this move as a young teenager in the 1950's. As I remember it, it was a great movie and I would like to be able to purchase a home version of it in VHS or DVD. I do not remember whether the movie was in color or black and white. I think this kind of movie would be valued by adults and young today even more than it was back then. I did not realize that this movie was made in the 30's. If it should ever become available to the public, I would like to have this brought to my attention. Thank you for the opportunity to express may opinion on this film. I remember two movies from my childhood that seem to stick in my mind. They are this movie and Desperate Search.

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tony6a

I saw this when I was in grammar school, in the 50s not realizing it was already 20 years old! I would love to see it again. I seem to remember reading an article about film preservation that said prints for Sequoia were not available anymore. Let's hope one pops up and a video and dvd follows. I picked up a Sequoia "big/little book" at a book sale with stills from the movie on every other page. If you are familiar with the movie you will know what big little books are, I guess.

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