Little Boy Lost (1978)

Overrated and overhyped

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Obviously filmed on a shoestring budget, which keeps things thankfully simple, was this moving true story about the desperate search for four year old Stephen Walls, who went missing in rugged New South Wales bushland in February, 1960."For four days and three nights a nation prayed and waited" as thousands of volunteers combed dense scrub and heavy brush in search of young Stephen. Certainly anyone from Guyra, NSW would be able to tell you of the time when all of Australia held its breath in hope.Writer/director Terry Bourke tells this heart-rending tale without flare of finesse, keeping the narrative basic and just relating it as it happened. The all Australian cast do well in conveying the concerns and fears of a shaken community, with John Hargreaves strong as the young boy's father "Jacko", and Nathan Dawes doing well in his debut.Bob Young's music is ineffective and melodramatic, while cinematography can't go wrong lensing spectacular Aussie bush. Highly recommended for all the family is this warm, touching story of "The Little Boy Lost".Friday, March 1, 1996 - Video

I remember seeing this story as a child and finding it deeply disturbing. It's an ineffectual movie that has stayed with me. I would have much preferred never to have been taken to see it. I just think about the marvelous movies that are produced now and that my children have had the opportunity to enjoy.Given the little boy did everything you are not meant to do if lost in the outback (such as wondering far from the wrecked plane that was his hope for survival) and was rewarded for it by an adult saying to the boy's father "I think if I know anything about him, he will go looking for you" I can't think of anything useful that came out of simply repeating a story that happened. Were the producers of this negative film glad the boy dangerously wandered aimlessly around so viewers could get a hit out of his futile pain and suffering? A loathsome, miserable film.

This was the first movie I ever saw at the drive in theater. I was 5 years old and only remember bits like the little boy laying leaves over an animal that had died and I think hiding from the rescuers, although I may be wrong. I would love to see it again as my memories are so hazy of the story and plot. I have been reading the credits and see some names I recognize, an Australian movie is always good value. Heres hoping for a future screening of a classic Australian movie. Would even be nice to see a re release accurate to the original to show how we Aussies do things by way of a great community spirit and rallying together to do things!

Because this is a true story, it lacks the action that many people desire in a movie, but it is a very good story! This is the flip side of the message we tell our children "Don't talk to strangers". In this case, a young boy should, as they are the ones trying to rescue him!This movie may seem a bit too long, but just watch and listen to see and hear, just as the little boy did, the strangers (rescuers) and maybe you can understand his confusion. The emotion is great! I promise, that in the end (if you like a good tear jerker), it will pay off!!!