The Littlest Outlaw (1955)

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Interestingly enough, this film was apparently filmed in both English and Spanish with a bilingual cast! I’ve not seen a copy of the Spanish version, but let’s take a look at the English version of the live-action Disney film, The Littlest Outlaw!

And remember, SPOILERS AHEAD!

Directed by Roberto Gavaldón, the film takes place in Mexico wherein resides a Mexican general known as General Torres, played by Pedro Armendáriz. He is the proud owner of many horses that are trained to jump and perform in grand events.

His main horse trainer named Chato, played by Rodolfo Acosta, isn’t opposed to using abusive tactics though. He especially has trouble with a horse named Conquistador whom he abuses while training. His stepson, Pablito, played by Andrés Velázquez, is heartbroken at this as he loves Conquistador.

One day, Pablito runs away with Conquistador and it’s not long before Chato is after them. Pablito escapes from Chato any way he can including hiding with a gang of thieves and stowing away aboard a train.

Eventually, Pablito comes across a church wherein he seeks shelter. The Padre there, played by Joseph Calleia, tries to convince Pablito to return home with Conquistador. But when that doesn’t work, the Padre offers to drive Pablito to a nearby animal doctor to have him treat Conquistador who’s been injured in the whole ordeal.

While there, Conquistador escapes and Pablito and the Padre try to find him. They soon discover that a gypsy may or may not have sold Conquistador to the bullfight in San Miguel, so the Padre and Pablito head there.

Sure enough, Conquistador is at the bullfight. Not only him, but General Torres and Chato are there as well. Long story short, Pablito escapes with Conquistador, Chato is taken into custody (I think, I can’t remember), and General Torres calls off the search for Pablito and Conquistador.

The film ends with Pablito returning Conquistador to General Torres’ residence and General Torres gifting Conquistador to Pablito because of how much he loves the horse.

And that was The Littlest Outlaw! Honestly, there’s not much of a plot besides watching Pablito run away with Conquistador. There’s nothing really amazing about the movie, but there’s also nothing aggravating about it either. I really enjoyed the Padre character as I am a fan of Joseph Calleia.

My biggest issue with the film was how bad the ADR sounded. Every line sounded like it was being recorded in a studio rather than being spoken in the heat of the scene. I wonder if the Spanish version sounded better.

So, my final score for this film is 18/35 = 51.43% (F) !

The next review will be posted on January 21, 2025.