Old Yeller

[1957, Movie]

Old Yeller: Review

Set in Texas in 1869, Disney Studios' first and best attempt at a boy-and-his-dog film tells the story of a farm family whose head, Jim Coates (Fess Parker), must go on a cattle drive for three months, leaving his 15-year-old son, Travis (Tommy Kirk), in charge. When Travis's younger brother, Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), finds a stray yellow dog and decides to adopt him, Travis is frustrated by this breach of his authority. But his mother (Dorothy McGuire) approves of the dog's presence and reminds Travis that his little brother is lonely. Soon the dog, Old Yeller, has won the hearts of the whole family. Their attachment to the dog will serve as a test for their strength and love in this powerful and moving film. Sequel: SAVAGE SAM.