Kidnapped avoids the Hollywoodized interpolations of previous film versions of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, choosing instead to adhere to the story as written. Scottish orphan David Balfour (Lawrence Douglas) is betrayed by his wicked uncle Ebeneezer (Donald Pleasance), who arranges for David to be kidnapped and sold into slavery so that Unk can claim his inheritance. The boy is rescued and befriended by Alan Breck (Michael Caine), a Scottish rebel fighting on behalf of his country's independence from the British (did we tell you that the film takes place during late 18th century?) Both David and Alan undergo several exhilarating adventures before Alan comes to realize that the rebellion is doomed from the start, and David foils his uncle's greedy machinations. Kidnapped was one of several "classic" adaptations released by American-International during the early 1970s, and arguably the best of the bunch (try sitting through AIP's Wuthering Heights sometime).
~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide