Although the '70s produced a number of made-for-TV movies, many considered classics now, surprisingly very few have been released on DVD. "A Cry In The Wilderness" was probably released on DVD because it contains Oscar-winner (and cult star) George Kennedy.
Is this a made-for-TV classic? No. To be fair, there are some good things about it. Kennedy gives a good performance, coming across as very likable and one you hope makes it through his challenge. As his son, child star Lee H. Montgomery gives a believable performance. The movie also makes you wonder if the protagonists will make it through their various challenges, even despite the fact that you probably know already how stories like this usually end.
But there are also some negative things about the movie. Though it's supposed to be taking place in Oregon, it sure looks like southern California. Also, while the movie runs a lean 74 minutes, it is significantly padded, mostly with scenes involving Kennedy's wife. There are some dumb things, like when Kennedy chains himself up and waits several hours for his family to discover him instead of telling them right away. There are laughable things, like how Kennedy's sweat stains keep changing, two hilarious skunk attacks, and Kennedy's stunt double looking nothing like him in the climatic sequence.
Bottom line: It didn't deserve a DVD release, and it's not worth spending money to rent it... but if it comes across as originally planned - free TV - it may help to pass 74 minutes of your time.
Is this a made-for-TV classic? No. To be fair, there are some good things about it. Kennedy gives a good performance, coming across as very likable and one you hope makes it through his challenge. As his son, child star Lee H. Montgomery gives a believable performance. The movie also makes you wonder if the protagonists will make it through their various challenges, even despite the fact that you probably know already how stories like this usually end.
But there are also some negative things about the movie. Though it's supposed to be taking place in Oregon, it sure looks like southern California. Also, while the movie runs a lean 74 minutes, it is significantly padded, mostly with scenes involving Kennedy's wife. There are some dumb things, like when Kennedy chains himself up and waits several hours for his family to discover him instead of telling them right away. There are laughable things, like how Kennedy's sweat stains keep changing, two hilarious skunk attacks, and Kennedy's stunt double looking nothing like him in the climatic sequence.
Bottom line: It didn't deserve a DVD release, and it's not worth spending money to rent it... but if it comes across as originally planned - free TV - it may help to pass 74 minutes of your time.