AllMovie

How one reacts to The Light in the Forest pretty much depends on one's feeling about the Conrad Richter novel on which it is based. Fans of the book will likely look askance at the Disney version of Light, which bowdlerizes the piece and tears the guts out of its treatment of and examination of racial hatred. This approach radically alters the one and message of the book, and this will probably alienate those who treasure the novel. On the other hand, those who do not like or do not know the book may find Light much more to their liking. Certainly it follows a winning formula in its predictable screenplay, and its surface treatment of issues that the novel explores in more depth makes it easy to digest, especially for younger audiences who will also respond to the exciting setting and much of the Indian-related segments. Whatever one thinks of the screenplay, the cast at least is good, with James MacArthur quite winning in the lead role, and Wendell Corey appropriately vile as the bigoted uncle. There's also some nice moments from Fess Parker, and Carol Lynley looks lovely and youthfully fresh. Direction is fine if unremarkable, and the color photography is a plus.