Why Isn't This Movie Better Known?

As has already been suggested in other posts, TMotM has just about all the ingredients one could wish in a movie not just for children, but for the whole family. A breathtakingly gorgeous setting, nail-bitingly thrilling climbing scenes, a wide variety of characters spanning the range from likable (Rudi and Lizbeth, engagingly portrayed by James MacArthur and Janet Munro) to detestable (Emil Saxo, hissably etched by Herbert Lom). Of course, purists might carp that Banner in the Sky--the novel on which the film was based--contains no romantic elements. The latter aspect disappointed me when I read it shortly after I saw the movie (in its original theatrical release; I wasn't exactly born yesterday ), but I still enjoyed the book, even if it was obviously pitched toward boys...and the girllessness of it only made me appreciate the film all the more.

All of the foregoing prompts me to restate the question in my subject header: Why isn't this fine, exciting movie, good for all ages, known to more people? Does anybody out there have any theories?

Ms. Tobi


Thirteen years out of high school, and I’m still at the nerd table.