Follow Me, Boys!

Follow Me, Boys! is a 1966 Walt Disney Productions film starring Fred MacMurray, Vera Miles, and Lillian Gish. The film, directed by Norman Tokar, is based on the novel "God and My Country" by MacKinlay Kantor, which itself is based on a true story. It is a wholesome and heartwarming film that takes viewers on a journey through the lives of characters that are as passionate about their community as they are about scouting.

The film begins with Lem Siddons (Fred MacMurray), a jazz musician who has realized that his nomadic lifestyle lacks something every human craves - permanent roots, stability, and community. He decides, on a whim, to settle in the small town of Hickory, where he quickly finds work as a clerk in a general store. However, Lem has greater ambitions to give back to his new community in a meaningful way.

Guided by his strong moral compass, the charismatic and compassionate Lem decides to establish a Boy Scout troop in Hickory. This town's wholesome, small-town charm sets the stage for scenes featuring parades, community gatherings, camping trips, and other hallmark activities typically associated with scouting.

Lem's proposal to start a scouting troop, while initially met with skepticism by some members of the community, is seen as a revolutionary idea to others, including the insightful small-town lawyer, Hetty Seibert (Lillian Gish). Hetty uses her wisdom and influence in the town to help mobilize the necessary support and resources for setting up the troop.

Vera Miles plays Vida Downey, a young woman who finds herself drawn to Lem's charm, dedication, and commitment to community service. As the film progresses, viewers see how her relationship with Lem evolves and how she becomes an integral part of his life and the scouting troop.

Throughout the film, numerous episodes render a snapshot of American small-town life in the 1930s and 1940s. Lem's scouting troop—composed of an endearing mix of youngsters from different backgrounds—embarks on a series of misadventures, wild exploits, and also more serious pursuits like banding together to contribute to the community during hard times. The boys, under Lem's guidance, learn ways to become honorable men by participating in youth leadership, service work, survival techniques, and experiencing the raw beauty of wilderness.

A highlight of the film is the performance of actor Kurt Russell—he portrays one of the troop's young members named Whitey, who undergoes profound character development throughout the course of the plot under Lem's mentorship. Lem's influence on the maturing boys, especially Whitey, forms the crux of the film and a touchstone for the values of honesty, loyalty, and persistence.

Follow Me, Boys! uses the alluring sheen of nostalgia to paint a picture that is a testament to companionship, community, life-learning, and scout principles. It signifies the might of an individual’s commitment to the progression, nurturing, and betterment of a community, spreading cheerfulness and harmony, the themes ever-present in Norman Tokar's library of Disney films.

Featuring a mix of drama, humor, and sentimentality, Follow Me, Boys! encapsulates the meaning of mentoring, guiding, and making a difference to a young soul. It underlines that it will always be more important to impact the life of an individual positively, no matter how small it may seem, because, at the end of the day, that is what will be cherished and remembered.

The film continues to be heralded by many as one of Disney's most unforgettable live-action classics. Its title song, performed by the famous Boy Scout, national ambassador, and Hollywood celebrity of the time, Louis Armstrong, still echoes in the hearts of many, reminding people of a bygone era and embodying Lem Siddons’ dedication and passion for scouting.

On the whole, Follow Me, Boys! is a heartwarming journey which stands as a testament to the power of community, the honor of service, and the joy in finding a true sense of belonging.