Savannah Smiles

Savannah Smiles is a family-friendly comedy-drama movie that was released in 1982. It stars Mark Miller and Donovan Scott as two bumbling yet well-meaning small-time crooks, and features an endearing performance by Bridgette Andersen as the eponymous character, Savannah. Filmed against the backdrop of the American Southwest, the panoramic landscapes and eloquently framed scenes establish a captivating visual aesthetic for the movie, providing a delicate and fitting backdrop to the engaging and heartwarming narrative.

At the heart of this narrative is Savannah, a precocious and pure-hearted six-year-old girl from an affluent family. She lives in a large, opulent home and has access to all the material comforts that the privileged life can afford. Yet, her deeply privileged life is devoid of one essential thing: genuine affection and attention from her parents. This lack of parental attention creates in Savannah an unquenchable longing for excitement and adventure, a desire that leads her to take unexpected and fateful decisions.

Her wish for escapism materializes when she crosses paths with Alvie and Boots, played by Mark Miller and Donovan Scott respectively. They are small-time crooks, essentially at the opposite end of the economic spectrum from Savannah. Alvie and Boots are not hardened criminals or sinister villains; they're rather likable, bumbling petty crooks who aspire to big scores, dreaming of the "big time" while grappling with smaller, less successful schemes.

In an unexpected turn of events, Savannah hides in Alvie and Boot’s rickety, rundown getaway car. Misinterpreting the guys as her friends, she views this unexpected encounter as an exciting adventure and a welcome escape from her mundane life. This unforeseen inclusion thrusts Alvie and Boots into a situation they had never imagined or planned for, and they find themselves unwittingly transformed into babysitters on the run.

The movie artfully portrays the unfolding bond between Savannah and her inadvertent captors. Alvie and Boots, initially overwhelmed by the unexpected responsibility, grow to care for their unintended charge as they get to know her. And Savannah, in return, treats the duo with unbridled affection and trust—an element of unconditional love glaringly absent from her life back home.

The ring of laughter and light-hearted entertainment in Savannah Smiles is further heightened by the cops hot on the tail of Alvie and Boots. The comical and farcical police chase after the pair and their unwitting hostage forms a significant part of the plot, contributing generously to the comedic tension of the movie. Vice versa, the heartwarming and poignant moments in the film arise when Savannah forces Alvie and Boots to introspect and reflect upon their lives.

Savannah Smiles strikes a fine balance between humor and tenderness, a trademark of family classics. It is not just a comedy film; it paints a poignant critique of society through the eyes of a neglected child and two outsiders. Savannah's innocence and unswerving faith in Alvie and Boots leave a lasting impression on them that prompts an internal transformation within these two felons. However, even as Alvie and Boots start cherishing their new familial bond, the ever-increasing pursuit from the police foreshadows a bittersweet inevitability.

Director Pierre De Moro succeeds in making the audience genuinely care for its central characters with his sensitive treatment of the script. The performances by Mark Miller and Donovan Scott are compelling and believable, allowing the viewers to empathize with their characters. Bridgette Andersen as Savannah captivates with her naiveté and charm, convincingly portraying the longing for affection that lies behind her delightful mischief.

Savannah Smiles is a film of contrasts and connections that beautifully converges the opposite worlds of a neglected rich kid and two inept criminals into a heart-touching tale. It is an earnest story of human bonding and redemption, peppered generously with humor, making it an engaging watch for audiences across all age groups.