A good family film in the tradition of the old Roy Rogers and Gene Autry films. Fess Parker is in his usual form as the soft-spoken gentle giant who always stands for what's right. There is a fair level of suspense when Hoyt Axton's character is introduced and the ensuing mystery of exactly who he is and what his connection to Clint (Parker) really is. But the real star is Smoky, the wild stallion who loves Clint and will allow no other man (or woman) to befriend him. The pacing seems somewhat off ... the last 20-minutes appear rushed and fail to give the viewer time to appreciate that Clint has been gone for 4+ years (a US Marine in WWII) and no one can tell him what happened to his beloved Smoky. But the endgame, when Clint and Smoky finally are reunited, is a moment that makes this movie worth watching (along with the great scenery and Hank Thompson's catchy theme song). The rain in Clint's face fails to mask the tear that rolls down his cheek, and it's a great family moment for anyone who loves horses in particular or animals in general. While the film may move slowly and lacks much in emotional appeal until the final few minutes, it still stands as a warm portrayal of more innocent times and the timeless tale of a man and his horse. For fans of Fess Parker or traditional westerns, this is a movie you'll definitely want to see. Sadly, it's not available commercially on VHS or DVD to my knowledge.
