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My Friend Flicka

Name: My Friend Flicka
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Western
Released: 1943-05-26
Cast: Roddy McDowall, Preston Foster, Rita Johnson, James Bell, Patti Hale

1943 | 89 min | Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Western

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for action fans and families. If you loved Old Yeller or True Grit, start here.
The mood: Feel-good.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 29 min.
What might put you off: Made in 1943: an older pace and style.

Ken McLaughlin is a precocious 10-year-old who lives with his family on a remote Wyoming ranch. When Ken returns home from school with failing grades, his father, Rob, blames the boy's lack of personal responsibility. At the suggestion of his wife, Nell, Rob allows Ken to choose a single colt from the herd to raise as his own. Much to his father's dismay, Ken chooses a fiery mustang filly -- but the two soon become fast friends.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 18K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Harold D. Schuster

Roddy McDowallKen McLaughlin
Preston FosterRob McLaughlin
Rita JohnsonNell McLaughlin
James BellGus
Patti HaleHildy
Jeff CoreyTim Murphy
Arthur LoftCharley Sargent
Erville AldersonDr. Scott (uncredited)