Watch The Trial of Old Drum

The Trial of Old Drum is a 2000 drama film that explores the themes of love, loyalty, and justice. It is based on the true story of one of the most famous dog trials in American history. The movie follows the young Charlie Burden (Bobby Edner), who takes his beloved dog, Drum, to the farm of his uncle, Lon (Ron Perlman). However, Drum is killed by Lon's neighbor, Rufe (Scott Bakula), and Charlie is determined to get justice for his best friend.

As the trial begins, Charlie's father, George (Randy Travis), defends Rufe while Charles Burden Sr. (John O'Hurley) prosecutes him. The trial is presided over by a judge (James Rebhorn), who must decide whether to convict Rufe of the murder of the beloved dog. The trial brings to light the deep-rooted feud between the two families and their desire for revenge.

The main focus of the movie is the relationship between Charlie and Drum. The young boy is heartbroken when his dog is killed, and he is determined to seek justice for his best friend. Bobby Edner's performance is excellent, and he captures the heart and soul of a young boy who is passionate about his dog. Drum is absolutely adorable, and viewers will quickly fall in love with him.

Ron Perlman is also fantastic in his role as Lon Burden. He imbues the character with a sense of rugged kindness that makes him lovable despite his flaws. Perlman is well known for playing rough characters, but he brings a sense of tenderness to the role of Lon. He helps to anchor the movie and provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos of the trial.

Randy Travis also delivers a strong performance as George Burden. Travis is best known for his music career, but he proves to be a capable actor in this movie. He brings a sense of gravitas to a role that could have been one-dimensional. George is a man who believes in justice, but he is torn between his duty to defend Rufe and his son's desire for retribution.

The trial scenes are well-crafted and suspenseful. The tension between the two families is palpable, and viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they wait for the verdict. The courtroom scenes are interspersed with flashbacks of Charlie and Drum, which help to remind viewers of the emotional impact of the dog's death.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the way it highlights the importance of dogs in American history. Old Drum was a famous dog trial that took place in Missouri in 1870. The case was widely covered by the press, and it helped to establish the idea that dogs are more than just property; they are part of the family. The movie honors this legacy by showcasing the deep affection that Charlie has for Drum.

Overall, The Trial of Old Drum is a heartwarming and emotional movie that is sure to tug at the heartstrings of viewers. It is a well-made film that features excellent performances by a talented cast. The movie's themes of loyalty, love, and justice are universal, and viewers of all ages will be able to relate to Charlie's desire to seek justice for his beloved dog. The Trial of Old Drum is a must-watch for anyone who loves dogs or has an interest in American history.

The Trial of Old Drum is a 2000 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.