The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

"Johnny Lingo" is a 25-minute live action short film from 1969, so only two more years until this has its 50th anniversary, maybe less depending on when you read this review. The film is in color and its director is Judge Whitaker. The one who adapted the original story by Patricia McGerr is Claire Whitaker and I'd be surprised if she isn't related somehow to Judge. He is mostly known for his work as an animator on several Disney classics and from his works as a director this one here may actually be his most known film, even if it is far from famous. I thinks as it is set on an island in the ocean, it is also visually fine, but if we are honest here about the story, that one also would have fit in half the running time. Contents-wise and character-wise, it reminded me a bit of a cartoon, maybe the effect of Whiaker's other works. I believe it also would have worked as a Disney animated short film for example. It's a close call, but thanks to the honorable statement on love and respect that I also mentioned in the title already, I will be generous and give the film a thumbs-up overall. There is no real greatness in here, but it is solidly romantic and touching and most of the production values are decent too. Go check it out. Final note: I won't go into detail about the Mormon references as I really know nothing about these people.

Are you guys kidding? This is one of the worst films ever! The acting is atrocious, and there is almost nothing morally redeemable about the film at all. Racist, sexist, imperialistic--c'mon, get a life! The little 'slave' boy, grinning lackey slacker? Who just won't work reliably for the white trader? The idea that women's worth is to be measured on the basis of her looks (though admitting we can sometimes be wrong about it)???? That men set the value of all things, including women? This is truly as bad as it gets. Too bad Mormon children --especially the girls-- have to grow up with this crap.

Johnny Lingo was shown a minimum of once a year at my grade school. It was light, memorable entertainment about a shrewd island trader who finds a wife for himself in a homely girl in whom he sees great beauty.We were unaware of the Mormon connection this movie had, because it had no references to religion, Joseph Smith or the Utah desert. It was insidious, though, for after three years, both student and teacher alike was heard rating other people by "cows". The highest compliment was to be an "8 Cow Woman" or an "8 Cow Man". I would not actively seek it out to shown my own child, as it does not rate as highly as the Ray Harryhausen fairy tale films, but it is well done, and conveys a wholesome message memorably.

Beyond the tremendous and true romantic love Johnny Lingo proves for his dear Mahana, he gives a tremendous object lesson in how to properly treat others, and bring out the very best in them. If all husbands would treat their wives the way Johnny treated Mahana, there could be no evil in the world.