The Tenderfoot (1966)
A Walt Disney frontier Western about a young man who learns the ways of the West from a grizzled scout in the 1850s.
The Tenderfoot - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1966
- Directed by: Robert L. Friend
- Type: Movie
- Genres: TV Movie, Western
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 7, 1966 (United Kingdom)
- Production Companies: Walt Disney Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Tenderfoot - Plot
Based on author James H. Tevis' Arizona in the 50s. Natural dangers and hostile Indians create problems for travelers in the West in the 1850s; a young man almost killed in an Indian raid looks to a frontier scout, Mose Carson, for an education. They get involved in a plan to sell wild mustangs to the Army. The edited-down theatrical release of a 3-part miniseries that aired on television.
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The Tenderfoot - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert L. Friend
Main Cast
- Brian Keith
- Brandon De Wilde
- James Whitmore
- Richard Long
- Donald May
- Christopher Dark
- Rafael Campos
- Judson Pratt
- Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez
- Carlos Romero
Writers
- Maurice Tombragel
The Tenderfoot - FAQs
What is The Tenderfoot about?
The Tenderfoot follows young Jim Tevis, who barely survives an Indian raid in the 1850s American West and turns to seasoned frontier scout Mose Carson for guidance. Together they navigate natural dangers and hostile territory while getting caught up in a scheme to sell wild mustangs to the U.S. Army.
Is The Tenderfoot based on a true story?
Yes, The Tenderfoot draws from real history. It's based on James H. Tevis' memoir Arizona in the 50s, a firsthand account of life on the frontier during the 1850s. The character Jim Tevis is rooted in the author's own experiences navigating the dangers of the American Southwest.
Was The Tenderfoot originally a TV miniseries?
That's right. The Tenderfoot started life as a three-part miniseries that aired on television before being edited down into a single theatrical feature. Walt Disney Productions produced the original TV version, and the condensed film was released in the United Kingdom in April 1966.
Where can you watch The Tenderfoot?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Tenderfoot on JustWatch, which tracks availability across rental, purchase, and subscription platforms in your region. Availability can change, so it's worth checking there for the most up-to-date options.
Who stars in The Tenderfoot?
Brian Keith leads the cast as rugged frontier scout Mose Carson, with Brandon De Wilde playing the young Jim Tevis at his side. The supporting cast includes James Whitmore, Richard Long, Rafael Campos, and Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, rounding out a solid ensemble for this classic Western.
What genre is The Tenderfoot?
The Tenderfoot is a Western and TV Movie, set against the rugged backdrop of the 1850s American frontier. It blends adventure and coming-of-age storytelling, following a young greenhorn learning the ways of the West from a seasoned scout — a classic setup for the genre.
Who directed and wrote The Tenderfoot?
Robert L. Friend directed The Tenderfoot, while the screenplay was written by Maurice Tombragel. The film was produced by Walt Disney Productions, which was well known during the 1960s for family-friendly Western adventures both on television and in theaters.
What are some movies similar to The Tenderfoot?
If you enjoy The Tenderfoot, you might also like The Way West (1967), Monte Walsh (2003), Appaloosa (2008), The Cowboys (1972), and The Quick and the Dead (1987). These films share a similar spirit — rugged frontier settings, strong character dynamics, and classic Western storytelling.
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