Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill (1994)
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44% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
29% want to see it
(3,769 ratings)
This ambitious Disney movie uses a remarkable screenplay from Steven L. Bloom and Robert Rodat to tell a rollicking tale of America's transition from a close-to-the-land culture of mythic heroes to a corporate world of real estate tycoons. The strong theme about the decline of folk culture is… More This ambitious Disney movie uses a remarkable screenplay from Steven L. Bloom and Robert Rodat to tell a rollicking tale of America's transition from a close-to-the-land culture of mythic heroes to a corporate world of real estate tycoons. The strong theme about the decline of folk culture is expressed through a series of high octane adventures experienced by 12-year-old Daniel Hackett (Nick Stahl) at the dawn of the 20th century. Daniel's father, Jonas Hackett (Stephen Lang), runs a farm in a place called Paradise Valley, but his land is coveted by a greedy developer, J.P. Stiles (Scott Glenn). Daniel looks longingly at postcards of New York City while growing increasingly skeptical of his father's tales of legendary folk heroes. Then, through a series of incredible adventures, Daniel meets up with the legends that his father has spoken about -- cowboy Pecos Bill (Patrick Swayze), lumberjack Paul Bunyan (Oliver Platt), and finally, ex-slave and strongman John Henry (Roger Aaron Brown). Each of these heroes hooks up with Daniel and becomes involved in an increasingly bitter and boisterous fight against Stiles, whose plans to buy up land threaten the very strength of the folk heroes and the well-being of the common people. Pecos Bill has a horse named Widowmaker and can lasso a tornado. The giant Bunyan is accompanied by his famous blue ox, Babe. At one point, another legend, the cowgirl Calamity Jane (Catherine O'Hara), joins in the adventures. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Directed By
- Ernie Orsatti (II), Jeremiah Chechik
- Written By
- Steve Bloom, Robert Rodat
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
PG,
Critic Reviews
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Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Underappreciated Disney mash-up of Old West myth.
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Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
A good Disney fantasy adventure for kids.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Proves that allies are always available to those who yearn to do the right thing.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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Patrick Swayze
as Pecos Bill
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Oliver Platt
as Paul Bunyan
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Roger Aaron Brown
as John Henry
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Nick Stahl
as Daniel Hackett
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Scott Glenn
as J.P. Stiles
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Susan Barnes
as Hag in Alley
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Joe Grifasi
as Man in Top Hat
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Jared Harris
as Head Thug Pug
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Moira Harris
as Sarah Hackett
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Sal Jenco
as Big Jim
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Bert Kramer
as Bronson
- William H. Macy
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Mike Moroff
as Bar Room Bully
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John Nance
as Doctor
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Catherine O'Hara
as Calamity Jane
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Tim Riley
as Farmer #2
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Bill Rodgers
as Captain of Industry
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John P. Ryan
as Grub
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Darwyn Swalve
as Lumberjack #1
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Scott Wilson
as Zeb
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Richard Zobel
as Barkeep
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Kevin Brown
as Bettor #1
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Eric Lawson
as Sheriff
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Jay S. York
as Lumberjack #2
- Jackie Burch
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Stephen Lang
as Jonas Hackett
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James Oscar Lee
as Spectator
