Review of The Light in the Forest

Mainly, the story, based on the novel of the same name, of a boy: True Son(James McArthur), Caucasian by birth, captured by the Delaware 11 years ago, when 4. It takes place in southwestern Pennsylvania and adjacent Ohio in 1764, which is just after the conclusion of the French and Indian War. At this time, most Delaware are located in Ohio, on their gradual westward migration ultimately to Oklahoma. The British want the Delaware to sign a peace treaty granting them exclusive rights to the general area of present Ohio. One of the provisions is that the Delaware must give up all white captives. Unfortunately, this rigid provision makes no allowance for the fact that some of these captives much prefer to remain identified as Delaware. This is especially true of those captured when young in the distant past, and those who have given birth or fathered a child while so captive. True Son was adopted by Chief Cuyloga(Joseph Calleia), cannot remember his natal parents, and has no wish to be returned to white society. Thus, the crux of the story relates to True Son's forced repatriation into white society, where he takes on his birth name: Johnny Butler, and is housed with his birth parents. We experience some of the hardships he encounters toward becoming an accepted member of the white community. He refuses to give up his Mohawk hair style, which constantly reminds others of his Delaware past. He must relearn English ,and learn to chop down and split trees, making fences of some, and various other skills. He must face people like Uncle Wilse(Wendell Corey) who hate all Indians, and perhaps have killed some. Also, he should try to cultivate a friendship with a girl of his age range(He does, with indentured servant(Shenandoe, played by 16y.o. Carol Lynley). ... At one point, Johnny runs back to become True Son again. But, Chief Cuyloga tells him he must return to the whites. At this point, he doesn't feel comfortable being a Delaware or a white man. What to do? Whom to trust? See the film to find out. I will say that the film ends on an upbeat note, but how long can it last? The film is especially suitable for teens, but many adults will enjoy it too.