Set in the mid-1800s, the story centers on the Coates family, homesteaders in the wilds of Texas. Their life is a happy one, tending their fields and herds, while living off the land. However, cash is becoming a valuable commodity in the nearby settlements and this is the one thing the family is lacking. To continue providing for everything his family needs, father Jim (Fess Parker) heads off with other local ranchers on a three month cattle drive to Kansas. Leaving his family alone for the first time, it's up to eldest son Travis (Tommy Kirk), barely a teenager, to care for his mother Katie (Dorothy McGuire) and younger brother Arliss (Kevin Corcoran). Everything goes well until a stray dog shows up and turns their life upside down. It doesn't take long before this "old yeller" dog is adopted as a member of the family and repeatedly proves his love and loyalty. While some of the detail may have been lost, the power of the story remains strong. We quickly become as emotionally invested in this story as Travis, Arliss, and Katie become attached to that "old yeller" dog. His presence in their lives is tremendous. Through him, we watch Travis evolve from a timid boy into a confident young man?Arliss mature from a wild and angry child?and Katie grow increasingly more comfortable running a home and family on her own, knowing a four legged protector is always looking out for them. Disney staples Fess Parker, Jeff York, and Chuck Connors pop up occasionally to portray a variety of male role models, but it's the pair of boys and their loving mother who take up most of Old Yeller's running time. Well, and the dog, of course. A big sweet mutt of a dog, Yeller is precisely the sort of canine who makes a strong impression on the wide-eyed mini-moviegoer. It's the tragic ending that helped to make Old Yeller the memorable family classic it is today.
One of Disney's all time greatest live-action films, Old Yeller still to this day delivers the tears. Even though I pretty much knew what was going to happen next, it was still a touching story. The ending is one of the saddest of all time. Definitely worth a watch.
An all time favorite.One of my favorite scenes is the one where the little boy is eating and shares it with the dog,both eating from the same bowl.It has always made me wince and grin!And,yes,of course, I cried when Old Yeller died.
Relatively close to the book, which pleased me greatly. Any changes that were made were very slight and only benefited the dramatic tone of the story. Both the movie and the book were childhood favorites for me. ^_^
This is the sadest movie of all time and makes me cry every time I seen it.
Call me a softy but get the kleenex handy before you start watching. Good movie. But, sad.
This is the only movie to make me shed a significant amount of tears. I Am Legend made me tear, but it was nothing like this. I have this thing where I care more about animals getting hurt or dying more than people.
A tale of a loving relationship that blossoms between a seemingly troublesome dog and an equally tight wound young boy. It's really more of a journey for Kirk's character than anything else...him becoming a man, dealing with loss, responsibility, etc all in one summer. Definately a classic Disney live action film. Heavily heartfelt.
old yeller was a fighter a ruten tut en fighter. best yeller dog in the west. i grew up on this movie and just recently watched it again and I love it . Best Dog movie ever
One of my favorite childhood movies...my cousin used to make me hide in the closet during the ending...it was sad. I won't spoil it, if you have not seen it.
OMIGOSH I remember owning this sing-a-long video of all these compilations of songs, and one of the songs went along the lines of "here yeller, *whistle* come back yeller, *bark* best doggone dog in the west...here yeller..." etc. Must watch this movie. Seriously vital for my survival.
Old Yeller is my favorite Disney live action movie. One of the best family films ever made, it?s funny, dramatic, and touching for those of all ages. This classic is excellently represented on DVD, with a fabulous roster of bonus materials. The best doggone dog in the west should be a part of everyone?s collection.
This was a great movie! I used to watch it all the time when I was a little kid. I remember this is the first movie that I ever cried it and I still watch it and get teary eyed.
omg.....i love this movie...i have the book and i read it more than once....i have the movie, i think too....it made me cry cuz they had to shoot poor Yeller....but it was a very very good movie...
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