Rating: 
Summary: A heartwarming tale of an orphan, a man and an Irish Setter
Review: Based on the novels of Jim Kjelgaard, "Big Red" is not a first rate Disney film, but is still a solid movie for the family. Rene Dumont (Gilles Payant), is an orphan who gets a job at the home of James Haggin (Watler Pidgeon), a wealthy but lonely man. Rene lives with Emile Fornet (Emile Genest), the overseer for Haggin's kennel. One of Haggin's dog is Big Red, a beautiful Irish Red Setter that he thinks might be a prizewinner, but who has proven to be totally untrainable. However, Rene and Big Red have an instant rapport. The orphan not only trains Big Red, but falls in love with the dog. Worried that Big Red is too dependent on the boy, Haggin orders Rene to stay away from the dog before the big show. But when Rene cannot resist waving at Big Red the night before the contest, the excited dog crashes through the window and ends up being seriously hurt. Haggin wants to put the dog down, but Rene runs off with Big Red and nurses him back to health."Big Red" is obviously about the love between a boy and a dog, but a strong element of the film is the transformation of Walter Pidgeon's character from a lonely old man to a loving father figure for an orphan. There is a simple elegance to this film and even if the basics are pretty much predictable, it is carried off quite well by both the cast and the beautiful dog. "Big Red" can be enjoyed by both kids and parents, who will take different things away from this film. Not a great film, but still a solid effort from Disney. This 1962 film, directed by Norman Tokar, features a pair of songs by Richard & Roger Sherman ("Mary Poppins").
Rating:
Summary: A heartwarming tale of an orphan, a man and an Irish Setter
Review: Based on the novels of Jim Kjelgaard, "Big Red" is not a first rate Disney film, but is still a solid movie for the family. Rene Dumont (Gilles Payant), is an orphan who gets a job at the home of James Haggin (Watler Pidgeon), a wealthy but lonely man. Rene lives with Emile Fornet (Emile Genest), the overseer for Haggin's kennel. One of Haggin's dog is Big Red, a beautiful Irish Red Setter that he thinks might be a prizewinner, but who has proven to be totally untrainable. However, Rene and Big Red have an instant rapport. The orphan not only trains Big Red, but falls in love with the dog. Worried that Big Red is too dependent on the boy, Haggin orders Rene to stay away from the dog before the big show. But when Rene cannot resist waving at Big Red the night before the contest, the excited dog crashes through the window and ends up being seriously hurt. Haggin wants to put the dog down, but Rene runs off with Big Red and nurses him back to health. "Big Red" is obviously about the love between a boy and a dog, but a strong element of the film is the transformation of Walter Pidgeon's character from a lonely old man to a loving father figure for an orphan. There is a simple elegance to this film and even if the basics are pretty much predictable, it is carried off quite well by both the cast and the beautiful dog. "Big Red" can be enjoyed by both kids and parents, who will take different things away from this film. Not a great film, but still a solid effort from Disney. This 1962 film, directed by Norman Tokar, features a pair of songs by Richard & Roger Sherman ("Mary Poppins").
Rating:
Summary: A heartwarming tale of an orphan, a man and an Irish Setter
Review: Based on the novels of Jim Kjelgaard, "Big Red" is not a first rate Disney film, but is still a solid movie for the family. Rene Dumont (Gilles Payant), is an orphan who gets a job at the home of James Haggin (Watler Pidgeon), a wealthy but lonely man. Rene lives with Emile Fornet (Emile Genest), the overseer for Haggin's kennel. One of Haggin's dog is Big Red, a beautiful Irish Red Setter that he thinks might be a prizewinner, but who has proven to be totally untrainable. However, Rene and Big Red have an instant rapport. The orphan not only trains Big Red, but falls in love with the dog. Worried that Big Red is too dependent on the boy, Haggin orders Rene to stay away from the dog before the big show. But when Rene cannot resist waving at Big Red the night before the contest, the excited dog crashes through the window and ends up being seriously hurt. Haggin wants to put the dog down, but Rene runs off with Big Red and nurses him back to health. "Big Red" is obviously about the love between a boy and a dog, but a strong element of the film is the transformation of Walter Pidgeon's character from a lonely old man to a loving father figure for an orphan. There is a simple elegance to this film and even if the basics are pretty much predictable, it is carried off quite well by both the cast and the beautiful dog. "Big Red" can be enjoyed by both kids and parents, who will take different things away from this film. Not a great film, but still a solid effort from Disney. This 1962 film, directed by Norman Tokar, features a pair of songs by Richard & Roger Sherman ("Mary Poppins").
Rating:
Summary: FAMILY FUN
Review: BIG RED is a film your family should enjoy viewing together. The dogs are beautiful and "act" quite well; Gilles Payant, in spite of the hard to decipher French accent, brings an innocent joy and commitment to his role; Janette Bertrand as Theresa, the housekeeper, is fitfully feisty and endearing; and Walter Pidgeon is good in his transformation from heartless showman to caring father figure. Unfortunately, the characterizations are merely anecdotes to the lush scenery and shenanigans of boy and dog, and result in a tedious, sometimes dull narrative. However, it's heartwarming and enjoyable. Certainly not one of Disney's best but a refreshing tale in this day of special effects and low moral films.
Rating: 
Summary: A great Story
Review: I first saw this movie in a theater as a young child and loved the story. I'm a little biased since we have always had Irish Setters for dogs, but a wonderful story of the companionship of a boy and a dog. It shows how love and faith can change things. It brought back memories of how special a dog was in my growing up years. I am thrilled to have it be available for my children and it has become one of their favorite films.
Rating:
Summary: Indescribable Beauty
Review: I must have watched this picture a million times, and still never get tired of it. It has the same affect on me today and my child. The scenery is breathtaking, as is the music and acting. Anyone who owns,or has ever owned an Irish Setter, understands what this movie means to them. It really catches your heart and trully shows what love there can be between a boy and his dog.I own the VHS as well as the DVD which is fantastic. Should anyone know of the whereabouts of the boy who played Rene (Gilles Payant),please email me at bigred62@worldspy.net Thank you
Rating:
Summary: BIG RED
Review: I recently saw this film when I found it in 1 of my friend's house where they had several movies packed up & I liked the movie.I was glad to see an Irish Setter as the main animal in the film because we are so used to seeing Golden Retrievers,Yellow Labrador Retrievers,mixed breeds & Beagles.I loved how it was set in the province of Canada.I also think the scenery is beautiful.I loved the film buy it because it's not a dissapointing film!
Rating: 
Summary: Puzzling performances
Review: I'm a huge fan of the live action Disney movies from the 1950's and 60's, and surprisingly just saw this film for the first time. Sorry to be contrary to the other reviews, but I found this film tedious and boring.
Don't get me wrong, the scenery was spectacular, the cinematography and action sequences excellent. But the wooden performances of Walker Pigeon and the Boy, coupled with dialogue that goes nowhere were big liabilities. The train/moose sequence was the only spot that made the film fun. Try Greyfriars Bobby instead...
Rating:
Summary: big red
Review: This is a must see for anyone who loves animals. I first seen this movie in 1962 and it is still my number one favorite.
Rating:
Summary: Big Red
Review: Wow! what a lovely family film about a beautiful Irish Red Setter and a boy who cares for him. It is based on the characters in the James Kjelgaard books but is NOT a film of the book "Big Red". But do not let that put you off! The scenery is breathtaking, the storyline is great family and dog lover fare and the acting beautiful and innocent I have been searching for this film for 5 years and the wait was well worth it. This is one for the dog lovers and famalies with young children who love dogs.
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