Oh, you are so right! the cinematograhy is outstanding. And I discovered Fred MacMurray on TV with his Three Sons, so when I had a chance to see this movie, I was blown away by the quality and the character that MacMurray played. Excellent all the way around....
The first time I ever became aware of Johnny Depp was in that movie. I saw it on on on, I don't remember, but went nuts trying to get the vcr tape of it, and then when it became available, I got the dvd. not because of Johnny Depp, but because of the way the movie was made. Most movies have such background music that it drives me nuts. you don't need music to tell you that the scene is suspenseful. If you do, the movie is a waste. The scene should be set up so you don't need background music to tell you that you are supposed to be sad, or feel triumphant when the kid wins over the bully or or or, you get it....sorry about the rant....