The film was produced by Walt Disney Productions and stars Fess Parker, Joanne Dru, James MacArthur and Wendell Corey.

They attempt to get 5 more scalps but Johnny warns the white people there is an ambush ahead, incurring the wrath of his Indian family.

[4] In March 1956, Fess Parker, who had played Davy Crockett for Disney, was announced as the film's star, and a search was begun for the male lead.

MacArthur was under a five-year contract with RKO and was a college student at Harvard University, so he made the film during his summer vacation.

The film's screenplay expands the role of Del Hardy, portrayed by Parker, who remains with the Butler family much longer than he does in the novel.

While the novel ends on a note of uncertainty, with True Son alone on a remote road and unsure where his future lies, the film has him return to his family, to Shenandoe and, presumably, to life on a plot of wild land that his father has had deeded to him.

The film's title song was written by Lawrence Edward Watkin, Paul J. Smith and Hazel "Gil" George.

[9] The film premiered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 9, 1958[10] at the Senate Theater with actor Wendell Corey and his wife and some Mouseketeers such as Jimmie Dodd, Annette Funicello, Tommy Cole, and Doreen Tracey in attendance.

Like most Disney productions, it is pastoral in quality, almost fable-like in its gentle approach to some basically bitter situations, but it is well-paced, has capable acting and a brace of marquee names, plus wide screen and Technicolor.

"[13] Geoffrey Warren of the Los Angeles Times wrote that James MacArthur and Carol Lynley were "real charmers with more than their share of talent".

But the scenes in the forest are shot with a fresh eye for natural beauty, and children might well find the film enjoyable.