Customer Reviews
Earl Hamner's novel and this Henry Fonda film led to an iconic television series 
2008-09-14
I read the original novel by Earl Hamner Jr. soon after it was published in 1961, but I somehow missed the 1963 movie until now. This is a fine film, heartwarming in an old way without being cliched. It's easy to understand how it inspired "The Waltons" television series, which drew on the novel's characters and its portrayal of American values.
The transfer of the movie's setting from Appalachia to the Grand Tetons surprised this reader of the novel. James MacArthur was too old to play Clay-Boy. When I read the novel, I never imagined that Clay Spencer's wife Olivia looked like Maureen O'Hara. But these are the normal quibbles of a reader when Hollywood reworks literature.
A more substantive observation is that the novel gave more emphasis to Clay Spencer's self-identity as a landowner, even as he worked for wages at the quarry. This perhaps diminished the psychological punch of his sacrifice in selling the land at the end of the film.
The movie is carried by the sheer beauty of the Grand Tetons and by the power of Henry Fonda's memorable performance. He was made for the role.
-30-
Importance of family 
2008-06-21
This film shows the importance of family, the closeness they hold over generations and the recognition of one son's desire to go further in his education than any of his forbears have been able to because of economic necessity to begin work young. It shows his family's determination to help him acheive his goal and find the financing to do so, even though they are very poor. It is a real feel good film.
spencer's mountain 2008-06-19
watched this movie when i was younger with my mom and really loved it
have been looking for it for a while.
if you like old movies this is one that you will really enjoy
i reconamended it highly
I know I am in the minority, BUT.... 
2008-06-11
I feel like an awful Scrooge to say it but I think this movie is just awful. It has pretty scenery and a big name cast, but the story is awkward and phony, with lots of Hollywood stock characters and trite characterizations. Now that I have said that, please enjoy it as an old-fashioned family movie that will not offend anyone with nasty things. Those are too rare, I agree; it is just that I don't think this is so great as a drama. Why not get a later Disney film like FOLLOW ME BOYS! (1967) or the even more recent and quite good TUCK EVERLASTING (2002) if you want family fare that is a little less icky than I think SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN is. Sorry folks -- forgive me if you are a fan of this one.
Outstanding Movie...Affirming for Large Families 2008-05-06
It's not often that I'm so fond of a movie that I begin giving it as a gift. SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN is that rare treat of a film that speaks to every generation: the fun of childhood, the angst of adolescence, the burdens of adulthood, and the goodbyes of the final years. Moreover, it is one of the only movies I've ever seen that truly celebrates family life, with all of its joys and trials. I especially recommend this film to large families, as they will be affirmed in their YES! to life.
ON A HIGH 2008-01-19
Long before Henry Fonda played an irascible patriarch in
On Golden Pond, he played an equally crusty family man in this warmly rustic, 1963 drama
Spencer's Mountain, based on an Earl Hamner Jr. novel that later inspired the television series
The Waltons. Fonda plays Clay Spencer, a fiercely independent, hard-drinking, foul-mouthed Wyoming laborer who believes in God but rejects (to his tiny community's consternation) organized religion. Scraping together enough money to build a new house for his wife (Maureen O'Hara) and nine children, Spencer runs into an obstacle to both his plans and family pride when his college-bound son (James MacArthur) romances the daughter of Spencer's boss. Director Delmer Daves whips up a kind of morose schmaltz out of the earnest material, but it's Fonda's grit and heartland integrity that carry the day and establish some self-effacing wit. Some nice features here, including interviews with Fonda and a short documentary, "Spencer's Mountain: Grand Teton Premiere."
--Tom Keogh
Spencer's Mountain 2007-12-23
This is a classic movie in my opinion. A story of how a family should be. Each willing to sacrifice for the family. All family members caring for one another. Even a whole community caring for each other. This is great!
Surprised Mountain 2007-12-21
I quite surprised to find this movie for sale anywhere! ordering & shipping was a brezzse. I intend to shop with them some more after the hollidays are over.
Very enjoyable! 2007-12-18
This was an enjoyable film, with the innocence and wholesomeness that is missing from many of today's movies. I always feel a bit sad at the end of the movie, because I want to continue on with the Spencer's and see how their lives end up!
Spencer's Mountain...A really great film 2007-12-02
The movie which the Waltons tv show is based on is a really great story about family togetherness...sticking together throught good times and bad. Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara as the heads of the Spencer family, give memorable performances. This is a movie well worth watching!
