Review of Johnny Tiger

Johnny Tiger is a surprisingly good film. This is a new Robert Taylor, a serious actor, older and wiser. His character is a teacher on an Indian reservation who finds that the Chiefs grandson has a intelligence that had not been tapped yet. He pursues Chad Everett to be the first of his race to become highly educated, and possibly bring that education back to the children. There are various character insights where the old chief butts heads with Taylor, telling him that Johnny's place is with his people. Taylor won't give up, and alienates his own daughter because of his obsession with this boy. Geraldine Brooks plays the doctor, who wants to bring out the real man in Taylor and not just the teacher. He is all tied up emotionally, and she tells him so, but he just doesn't get it. Finally, after his daughter leaves and marries Johnny, and his young son is lost in a fire, only to be rescued by the old chief, does he begin to open up to his own feelings. This is basically a character study movie and Taylor does a great job as the teacher. This is the film he thought would bring change to his career, allowing him to play more serious roles, but the studio didn't promote this film. It is a shame because it is one of Taylors best.