It’s the second Mark Twain story to be done by Paramount, first being Tom Sawyer. Same quartet that did Sawyer reunite in Jackie Coogan, Junior Durkin, Mitzi Green and Jackie Searl. The latter two only appear in a minor way at the beginning. That’s after the first 1,000 feet or so when Searl, Green and the others practically disappear, a young adolescent (looking like sweet 16) taking up from there on. She’s attractice, soft-voiced Charlotte V. Henry for whom Huck Finn changes his mind about women.
Durkin is excellent throughout, overshadowing Coogan, who in spots is permitted to appear and talk in a too adult manner. His early love scene assignments with Mitzi Green drag in an unnatural touch. But for Durkin’s able and natural characterization all the way, this might have meant serious injury to the picture.
Norman Taurog’s direction is balanced and smooth.
