Movie Review: ****Pete's Dragon (1977)

This is the original Pete's Dragon, and it is a bonafide musical.  I really enjoy musicals so I have to give this movie the nod as to the best Pete's Dragon.  Nora (Helen Reddy) lives with her father (Mickey Rooney) where the tend a light house.  The come upon an orphan boy who is running from his adoptive parents, who mean for him to do their work and they are abusive to him.  Mrs. Gagon, the mother is portrayed by Shelley Winters.  The other two character are a shyster doctor (Jim Dale) and his assistant (Red Buttons).  When the doctor gets word of a dragon he is determined to catch him and chop him up so he can use every bit.  There is plenty to like with this movie, but it is another one of those bad adoption stories.  However the relationship between Nora and Pete is sweet.  She is able to become his new mother.
Reddy sings a very popular song, "Candle on the Water:"

I'll be your candle on the water

My love for you will always burn

I know you're lost and drifting

But the clouds are lifting

Don't give up you have somewhere to turn

I'll be your candle on the water

'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright

My soul is there beside you

Let this candle guide you

Soon you'll see a golden stream of light

A cold and friendless tide has found you

Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down

I'll paint a ray of hope around you

Circling in the air

Lighted by a prayer

I'll be your candle on the water

This flame inside of me will grow

Keep holding on you'll make it

Here's my hand so take it

Look for me reaching out to show

As sure as rivers flow

I'll never let you go

I'll never let you go

I'll never let you go...

In this version Pete the dragon is animated while the rest of the characters are real.  I have already really loved this show.