This large cast, under the expert direction of Mike Curtiz, does more than justice to the Twain novel. In fact, with its beautiful photography, large budget and fine music score, one wonders why this really superior version of the Clemens' classic has rarely been shown on TV (and then, of course, in a grossly mutilated version). As far as I'm aware, it's not at present available on DVD either. Amazing! Episodes such as that on the deserted boat, tipped at a crazy angle, lapped by the green slime of the swamp, and the scene on board the steamer in which Finlay Currie expounds, in his delightfully resonant voice, the splendor and treachery of the Mississippi, are absolutely unforgettable.

Mississippi River rafting with Eddie Hodges (as Huck) and Archie Moore (as Jim) impersonating Mark Twain's pair of runaway drifters. Despite the obvious attempt to be a classy production, with a well-intentioned assemblage of cast and crew, this version sinks like a pebble (if not a stone). It's overcast and miscast, but occasionally satisfying. Lucky young Hodges, who sang with Frank Sinatra, has a great scene with Andy Devine and Buster Keaton. Apparently, 20th century filmmakers were too shy to truly transfer all "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" to film. What they hinted at (or left out completely) can be found by reading the book - or, if you're lazy, listen to a vocal version of "Moon River". We're after the same rainbow's end.***** The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (6/17/60) Michael Curtiz ~ Eddie Hodges, Archie Moore, Tony Randall

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the movie, has been criticized for various reasons. Many believe that in making the movie humorous and enjoyable for audience, it dissolves Mark Twain's message about slavery and twists the plot line of the book. In my opinion, this is a great movie that kept me laughing, crying, and on the edge of my seat. It is true that this movie is very different than the book. For example, in the book, Huck never becomes a cabin boy, and the Kind and the Duke never try to kill Huck. These differences, however, kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was unpredictable, and that made the movie interesting. Mark Twain's message about the moral injustices of slavery is very prominent in the book, but not so prominent in the movie. This movie, however, was intended for entertainment purposes. If you have read this book, you will enjoy the movie. If you haven't read the book, you will also enjoy the movie, but keep in mind that it is nothing like the book. There has been much controversy about the portrayal of Jim and how it denigrates blacks. I do not agree. Jim is actually very smart, and he has another side that he doesn't let Huck see. For example, Jim knows all along that Huck's father was dead, but he cared about Huck enough to not tell him. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a great movie. I recommend it to all audiences!

All the acting was superb. The sets were...well, it was 1960. But the script! To hear Mark Twain so joyfully transposed, and so artfully accurate for the film characters and actors! What a straight, simple joy to see this film, made to entertain and doing it proudly, with all concerned -- actors and director mainly -- working on the same premise. And tell me Tony Randall didn't go home whistling after every day on the set! But this was Mark Twain done proud. How many other great writers so easily lend themselves to film scripts? What a writer! What fun he had with phrases, sayings and words. And how well all that was put to use in this movie. And PS Archie Moore was a great heavyweight.