Skippy and the Intruders is a 1969 Australian family adventure film that features a boy named Sonny and his pet kangaroo, Skippy. The movie was directed by Lee Robinson and produced by John McCallum. It is also the third movie in the Skippy series, following Skippy and Skippy and the Bushfire. The plot of the movie revolves around Sonny (played by Garry Pankhurst), who lives with his father Matt Hammond (played by Ed Devereaux), a ranger in the Waratah National Park. Sonny loves to hang out with Skippy, who he considers as his best friend. One day, a group of three men, led by American drill sergeant Major Clancy (played by Ken James), enter the park without permission, looking for a buried treasure. Sonny and Skippy become suspicious of their intentions and start to follow them around.
The villains soon realize that they are being watched by Sonny and Skippy and try to stop them by any means necessary, including kidnapping, blackmail, and even murder. It's up to Sonny and Skippy to save the day and put a stop to the intruders' nefarious plans.
As the story progresses, we see Sonny and Skippy embarking on a series of daring adventures that take them through the park's dense forests, treacherous terrain, and dangerous wildlife. The film features multiple action sequences that add to the excitement and suspense, including a thrilling chase scene with Sonny riding Skippy through the park's bushland.
Apart from the action, the movie also touches upon themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. We see Sonny's unwavering devotion to Skippy, who he considers more than just a pet. Skippy, in turn, proves to be a loyal ally and brave protector when his friend is in danger.
The cast of Skippy and the Intruders includes some notable actors from Australian television and cinema. Ed Devereaux, who plays Matt Hammond, was a familiar face on television at the time, having starred in long-running shows like Skippy, The Flying Doctors, and A Country Practice. Tony Bonner, who plays Sonny's friend Jerry, also appeared in popular TV shows like The Young Doctors and Skyways.
The film's cinematography is another highlight, capturing the beauty and majesty of Waratah National Park. The lush greenery, rugged landscapes, and stunning wildlife are all showcased in stunning detail, adding to the movie's visual appeal.
Overall, Skippy and the Intruders is a fun and entertaining adventure movie that's perfect for families. Its blend of action, suspense, and heartwarming moments make it a great watch for all ages. With its memorable characters, thrilling story, and breathtaking cinematography, Skippy and the Intruders remains a classic Australian film that continues to delight audiences even today.
Skippy and the Intruders is a 1969 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.
