Old Yeller (1957)

100% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(49,507 ratings)

Based on the novel by Fred Gipson, Old Yeller is set in Texas in 1869. While his father is away on a cattle drive, 15-year-old Travis Coates (Tommy Kirk) takes over management of the family farm. Adopting a "strictly business" policy, Travis is irritated when younger brother, Arliss (Kevin… More Based on the novel by Fred Gipson, Old Yeller is set in Texas in 1869. While his father is away on a cattle drive, 15-year-old Travis Coates (Tommy Kirk) takes over management of the family farm. Adopting a "strictly business" policy, Travis is irritated when younger brother, Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), adopts a frisky stray dog. But soon Travis is as fond of the dog as everyone else in the family; moreover, "Old Yeller" is an excellent watchdog. But while fighting off a mad wolf, Yeller is infected with rabies. Though Yeller seems unaffected at first, he eventually behaves so viciously that the disheartened Travis has no choice but to shoot the dog. A heart-to-heart talk between Travis and his returning father (Fess Parker), coupled with the adoption of a new pup, paves the way to an emotional but reasonably happy ending. Earning eight million dolalrs domestically on its first release, Old Yeller convinced Walt Disney to devote more and more time to live-action films and less time to animation -- which at the time was a sagacious business move. In 1963, Disney released a lesser sequel to Old Yeller titled Savage Sam. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Robert Stevenson
Written By: Fred Gipson, William Tunberg
Genres: Western, Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Classics

In Theaters: Dec 25, 1957 Wide
On DVD: May 7, 2002
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures

Critic Reviews

, TIME Magazine
It comes from Disney's thoroughly proved mother lode: movies for the kids that adults will stay to enjoy themselves.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Sentimental, yes, but also sturdy as a hickory stick.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Disney Studios' first and best attempt at a boy-and-his-dog film...
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
Everyone sheds tears for this family drama
Scott Weinberg, DVDTalk.com
Every bit the warm, comfortable, and tragically bittersweet classic that had you sobbing like a infant the first time you saw it.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Classic Disney tearjerker still grabs.
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
What makes Old Yeller more than run-of-the-mill Disney is not only the gut-wrenching climax, but also the remarkably well-done uplift of the denouement.
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
When I saw "Old Yeller " as a child, I was emotionally devastated. Its heartbreaking climax has stayed with me all these years, proving how deeply a movie can affect us.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Come on; admit it: You saw it; you loved it; you cried.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Of all the boy-and-his-dog movies Hollywood's ever made, "Old Yeller" remains among the best.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

erika b

It was all around a good film.
Conner R

A classic movie that teaches everyone the danger of stray dogs and the deadliness of rabies. It's fearless at displaying animal death and for that it is worthy of praise, but too many people love it for the dog story. I think it's weak in that area, where it excels in is… More
A classic movie that teaches everyone the danger of stray dogs and the deadliness of rabies. It's fearless at displaying animal death and for that it is worthy of praise, but too many people love it for the dog story. I think it's weak in that area, where it excels in is depression and two neglected children who are forced to replace their father.
KJ P

Astounding! One of the best films ever! Definately the best film of the 50's even though I have barely seen any!
Jason O

While not my favorite dog film, this is still THE dog film, or probably animal film period, that all others are measured up against. Very well done and sad.
Morgan S

excuse me while i go ball my eyes out!!!EVERYSINGLE TIME!
Mister C

One of the most beloved Disney films of all time. A classic story of a stray dog and a boy. Disney's best!
Jason S

The dog dies at the end.
danny d

sad sad movie
Leigh R

Get a box of tissues...
Matthew Y

For a film with an eye rollingly obvious attempt at a tearjerker ending, that everybody already knew about, I was surprised at how well put together the film was. The scenes with the wildlife are refreshingly authentic and I enjoyed how the boy initially resented the dog before… More
For a film with an eye rollingly obvious attempt at a tearjerker ending, that everybody already knew about, I was surprised at how well put together the film was. The scenes with the wildlife are refreshingly authentic and I enjoyed how the boy initially resented the dog before gradually caring for him. Obviously I knew Old Yeller got shot in the end but they way they went about it, giving glimpses of hope, really did justice to the famous story. I'll admit it, I felt sad and slightly moved when Old Yeller finally succumb to the hydrophobia .
Sunil J

I think I did cry when I saw this but the dog was so sweet!
d j

I watched this movie as a kid. I love Old Yeller. I cry everytime even when I know the outcome of this Yeller.
Wu C

I was surprised it was a Disney movie, considering some of the disturbing images. It's a well known classic about a dog who touches a boy and his family forever.
Marion R

I didn't even cry, Does this mean I have no soul?
alan j

this is a classic
Sean S

Kids in the Hall did a great version of this which made me laugh nearly as hard as this movie made me cry. Uh...I mean get affected by sudden freak atmospheric moisture...hard.