Watch Follow Me, Boys!

In 1966, Walt Disney Productions released Follow Me, Boys!, a heartfelt coming-of-age drama about a man who discovers his purpose in life by leading a Boy Scout troop in a small American town. The film stars Hollywood legend Fred MacMurray as Lemuel Siddons, a drifter who finds himself stranded in the town of Hickory, while on his way to Chicago. Upon arriving in Hickory, Siddons meets and falls in love with a local girl named Vida (played by Vera Miles) and decides to settle down in the town.

Siddons' peaceful life in Hickory takes a turn when he is asked to become the leader of the local Boy Scouts troop. At first, he is hesitant, having no experience in scouting, but decides to give it a try. He soon discovers that leading the troop is more than just a leisure activity, as he becomes responsible for shaping the lives of the young boys under his care.

As Siddons' time with the troop progresses, he finds himself becoming an influential figure for the boys, who each have their own personal struggles. For some, it's the desire to be accepted, while for others, it's the pressure to succeed or live up to their parent's expectations. Siddons' guidance and mentorship provide the boys with the much-needed support and direction that they need to overcome their challenges.

Throughout the film, there are various emotional and touching scenes that highlight the importance of community and the role that childhood experiences have in shaping our lives. There is, for example, a poignant scene where Siddons leads the boys on a hike into the woods, and in a moment of vulnerability, shares his own troubled past with them. This moment deepens the relationships between Siddons and the boys, and further illustrates the way that an adult figure can profoundly influence the growth and development of young people.

The film skillfully builds up to a suspenseful climax, as a massive storm threatens the town and the Boy Scouts must step up to help those in need. Siddons' leadership and the lessons he taught them about teamwork and perseverance are put to the test, as the boys must work together to save the town from the storm's damage.

Follow Me, Boys! is a touching and heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and the role that childhood experiences have in shaping our lives. Fred MacMurray delivers a fantastic performance as Siddons, bringing depth and emotion to a character that is both relatable and inspiring. Vera Miles and Lillian Gish also deliver standout performances that round out the film's incredible cast.

The film also features a beautifully composed score by Academy Award-winning composer Jerry Goldsmith, which perfectly captures the film's emotional tone and the themes of friendship and adventure that are at the heart of the story. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the picturesque small-town setting of Hickory, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and charming.

Overall, Follow Me, Boys! is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story. It's a timeless tale of mentorship, community, and the power of childhood experiences to shape our lives. It's a film that will leave you feeling inspired and in awe of the incredible impact that we can have on the lives of those around us.

Follow Me, Boys! is a 1944 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.