The Tenderfoot (The Wonderful World of Disney)

"The Tenderfoot" is a three-part live action television miniseries comedy Western film produced in 1964 for Walt Disney's The Wonderful World of Color.[1] It was broadcast over three weeks from October 18 to November 1, 1964. The show is based on James Henry Tevis' book Arizona in the '50s, and was directed by Robert L. Friend and Byron Paul.

"The Tenderfoot"
The Wonderful World of Disney episodes
Screen shot of opening sequence of "The Tenderfoot"
Episode nos.	Season 11 Episodes 4, 5 and 6
Directed by	Robert L. Friend (Part I) Byron Paul (Parts II-III)
Written by	Maurice Tombragel
Produced by	Walt Disney Ron W. Miller
Featured music	Joseph E. Romero
Cinematography by	John L. Russell
Editing by	Edward W. Williams
Production codes	11.4, 11.5, and 11.6
Original air date	October 18, 1964 (1964-10-18)
Running time	60 min. each
Guest appearances
Brandon deWilde Brian Keith James Whitmore Richard Long James Daly Nehemiah Persoff

Starring Brandon deWilde of Shane (1953) and Disney veteran Brian Keith (The Parent Trap) in the title roles. It aired in 3 parts over 3 consecutive weeks beginning on Sunday, October 18, 1964.[2] It also starred James Whitmore, Richard Long, James Daly, and Nehemiah Persoff in principal roles.

The Tenderfoot was aimed at teen boys and featured major character actors of the period. This was typical of past Disney live action TV productions, most notable being The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1964). Also appearing was 15-year-old Disney regular Roger Mobley.

On-location filming occurred on California's Santa Catalina Island and Channel Islands. Highlights include the roundup of wild mustangs and a climactic horse race.

Brandon deWilde had previously appeared in All Fall Down (1962) with Warren Beatty and Hud (1963) with Paul Newman. Brian Keith would be a scene stealer and filmed with deWilde for Disney again the following year in Those Calloways, as his father.[3]

Song "The Tenderfoot" by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.

The Tenderfoot would be released theatrically through Europe in 1966. It aired on the Disney Channel as an edited-down 2-hour feature in the 1990s.

Tevis' Arizona in the 50s, written in 1880 and not published until 1953 and out of print for the last 50 years, was later edited by Betty Barr and Dr. William J. Kelly and re-released.