Trailer—Tonka

source: Tonka

Tonka

A hearty tale of Comanche, a horse who survived the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Sal Mineo and Philip Carey are good in their respective roles of White Bull and Myles Keogh, though more suitable casting should've been made for the former obviously. None of the other cast stand out. The premise is what's most interesting about this film, as we follow the journey of 'Tonka' across differing owners. It isn't the greatest in terms of enjoyment, it goes through peaks and troughs with some parts becoming rather slow. However, the horse and Mineo keep things floating at a decent level to make for a solid 1958 production.

This is the first film I can recall that I watched. I must have been 6 years old at that time. I have never forgotten it over the last 60 years. I consider it the most unsung Walt Disney distributed family film that was ever made. It ends with the historical Battle of Little Big Horn and the Gen Custer's last stand. Much of the details of the historical event are correct. I wish the film gets a wider audience today and that parents today could encourage their young kids to watch it. What's more--it is a rare example of politically correct depiction of native Indians of USA.

Walt Disney is the reason I now live in Tenn. He is also responsible for my interest in early American history. I seen the 'Davy Crockett' series when it was shown on TV in the 1950's. I have never gotten over it. I have over 350 books on this subject. And, all the movies made about Davy Crockett and The Alamo. Some are better than others, BUT, they are all great! I loved the story of Tonka. I read the book in school and I have many, many books and movies about 'Custer's Last Stand'. I moved to Tenn and was at the 'Crockett Tavern Museum for about 9 years.. I am thankful to Walt Disney for the many historic themes he turned into movies.

A real wholesome movie, especially from the perspective of the American-Indian. If not mistaken, back when this was released it was meant to be a Sal Mineo vehicle. Mineo plays White Bull, a young boy coming to grips with becoming a man. Others of note in this scenic drama are Joy Page, Rafael Campos, Slim Pickens and John War Eagle. Doubtful you would watch this more than once.

It,s one of those Disney family movies from the fifties, that gives you a good feeling, like many others from the same cataloging. Disney was outstanding in those days. Nostalgia, of course, but they don't make them like this anymore. Tonka, was one of the frontier movies that went a bit deeper into the Indian nation, and also portrayed Custer as the mean man he was. One of the first times from Hollywood actually. At the same time told the story of the sole survivor from The Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. Excellent photography, and Sal Mineo's part as White Bull and his companionship with Tonka, was indeed heartwarming. Disney ought to put this out on DVD, with historical bonus etc. Jørn Back, Norway

I remember this movie being shot on location on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Central Oregon about 100 miles southeast of Portland,OR.. I was 13 at the time. It was during the summer when school was out. Some footage was shot just west of the BIA Agency compound behind the Boarding school and other locations as well. Some of the residents were used as extras and of course all the girls went crazy meeting him. He made us all feel very special while he was there. As I remember, other scenes were shot around Bend Oregon. Thanks Sal for being so gracious.

I too have seen this movie when I was a child around 6 or 7 years old. I have recently been fortunate to receive it as a gift since it is my favorite movie of all time. It was a "Disney" movie. The color of the mane was something I truly did not pay attention to even on my most recent view of the movie. Looking back, I still did not expect to see history accurately portrayed with the history of Hollywood. To me it was a movie about a horse a brave and the love and respect between them. It was also a store of a Native American and a step to become a man in his culture. It was for entertainment. It is a movie I look forward to sharing with my granddaughter when she is 5 or 7 years. I hope and believe it will deliver to her what it did to me. A movie for the young of a horse and one who is blessed by its present in his life. I can not help still seeing some parts in my own child's eyes.