The Indian in the Cupboard 1995

On his ninth birthday, a young boy named Omri from New York City is gifted an old cupboard by his brother, alongside a toy Native American figure from his best friend, Patrick. When Omri receives a special key from his mother—one passed down from her grandmother—he locks the toy in the cupboard. To his astonishment, the next morning, a soft tapping sound leads him to discover that the toy has come to life. Startled by Omri’s considerable size, the tiny figure brandishes a dagger in defense. Omri, fearing for the safety of this newfound magic, quickly shuts and secures the cupboard.

The living toy soon introduces himself as Little Bear, played by Litefoot, an Iroquois man from the 18th century, who was embroiled in the French and Indian War fighting for the British. As Little Bear spends time with Omri, the two form a deep bond while Omri uncovers various aspects of the Iroquois culture and learns of Little Bear’s past as a widower.

Things take a turn when Omri brings another toy to life, a figure resembling a Mohawk chieftain. When the chieftain, overwhelmed by fright upon seeing Omri, suffers a heart attack, Little Bear realizes that Omri is just a child, not a malevolent spirit.

Eager to share this incredible secret, Omri reveals it to Patrick, who insists on bringing to life a toy cowboy named Boohoo Boone from 1879. Initially, animosity brews between Boone and Little Bear, yet they must cooperate when Omri and Patrick take them to school.

Later, as the group gathers around the TV to watch The Last of His Tribe, contrasting reactions arise: Boone enthusiastically applauds a scene depicting the slaughter of Native Americans, while Little Bear is horrified. A moment of tension escalates when Boone shoots into the air, prompting Little Bear to retaliate by shooting an arrow into Boone’s chest.

The situation grows complicated when the key to the cupboard goes missing, prompting Little Bear to search for it beneath the floorboards, nearly falling victim to an escaping pet rat. Upon retrieving the key, Omri decides to resurrect a World War I medic toy to aid Boone’s injuries. Realizing it’s time to return Little Bear and Boone to their own time, Omri is faced with the decision to bring a female Native American toy to life. Little Bear halts him, explaining that she likely has her own family waiting for her. Understanding the significance of what Little Bear means, Omri agrees to refrain from doing so.

On the following morning, as the sun rises, Omri and Patrick bid farewell to their miniature friends before locking them back inside the cupboard, sending them home. Just before their final goodbye, Omri experiences a touching vision of a full-sized Little Bear, who affectionately declares his bond by saying he now considers Omri his nephew.