The Trial of Old Drum

Rating:
Summary: FAMILY DELIGHT
Review: Gather your family around the upcoming holidays and let them watch THE TRIAL OF OLD DRUM. Coyingly sweet and unabashedly sentimental, this delightful family movie will surely enliven the hearts of all.
Bobby Edner stars as little Charlie Burden, a young boy who loves his Old Drum like the best of friends. Ron Perlman plays his stalwart dad, and Alexis O'Keefe is charming as Perlman's love interest. (The little boy's mom passed away earlier, and told Old Drum to look after Charlie). Seems like a wild dog is killing some of the rancher's sheep and Perlman's nasty brother-in-law (John Schuck) is determined to prove it was Old Drum that did it. This all leads to an effort to destroy the beloved dog. In steps Scott Bakula in a charming performance as a big city lawyer who represents Old Drum in the trial.
It's all predictable, but so nicely done, it's a real charmer. It's refreshing to see young kids respect their elders; no foul language; no violence; no sex. How can it be good? Well, it's a nice film that makes you feel wonderful. Enjoy it with those you love, and Ajax who plays Old Drum is perfect!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Dogs are a boys best friend.
Review: The story takes place in the '50's and is based on a true story. This is a family friendly story of a town that is torn between a trial of a boy's dog, Old Drum for the killing of sheep. The story is well told by Randy Travis and Bobby Edner is believable as the young boy, Charlie. Trial of Old Drum is enjoyable for all ages and lovers of dogs.

Rating:
Summary: Cute, rainy day, family movie.
Review: This is a family movie set in 1950's rural America about a boy whose Uncle presses sheep killing charges against his dog Drum, starting not only a family legal feud but community discord as their town begins to take sides.
This is formula film that attempts to be very touching and sweet. It's biggest weakness is that the only people who could really act were Scott Bakula, Ron Perlman and the dog. (John Shuck and Kathy Garver, "Sissy" from the original "Family Affair," as the Uncle and his wife, were okay.) The children were not that good (basically they looked like they were acting) and that's a problem when the film really revolves around them (Aaron Fors, who plays the bully Donny makes me think of what the actor Russell Crowe must have looked liked as a child, only with no talent and a lot of ham).
Favorite line (spoken by the Prosecutor after Scott Bakula's Defense closing trial speech): "We'll be lucky if they don't lynch us."
Favorite line spoken by Ron Perlman (after his son punches the bully): "Now making him your friend, that will be the hard part."