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Old Yeller

G Released Dec 25, 1957 1h 23m Kids & Family Drama List
100% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
While Jim Coates (Fess Parker) is off on a cattle drive, his wife, Katie (Dorothy McGuire), and sons, Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), are left behind on their Texas ranch. When a runaway dog named Old Yeller causes damage in one of their fields, Travis tries to drive him away. However, Travis and Katie both warm to Old Yeller when he saves Arliss from a bear attack. As Travis and the brave and faithful dog grow closer, concern grows about an outbreak of rabies.
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Old Yeller

Old Yeller

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Critics Consensus

Old Yeller is an exemplary coming of age tale, packing an emotional wallop through smart pacing and a keen understanding of the elemental bonding between humanity and their furry best friends.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas. Rated: 5/5 Dec 26, 2010 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Disney organization's flair for taking a homely subject and building a heartwarming film is again aptly demonstrated in this moving story. Mar 26, 2009 Full Review TIME Magazine It comes from Disney's thoroughly proved mother lode: movies for the kids that adults will stay to enjoy themselves. Mar 9, 2009 Full Review Janet Graves Photoplay With each new adventure, Walt Disney's live-action craftsmen show increasing skill at capturing the excitement and rich flavor of America's heritage. Nov 17, 2021 Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) Not just a boy and his dog story but a coming of age tale about a boy becoming a man. Very well done Rated: 9/10 May 7, 2020 Full Review Sky Cinema Both an exciting adventure and an effective tear-jerker. Rated: 4/5 Nov 18, 2017 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Dale R If you haven’t seen this movie you should. A classic tale of a boy and his dog, and the boy’s brother. This is the first of many Disney movies that feature the child actors of Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran. The acting chops on both of them are not shown off well during this movie. I find that Kevin plays the same character in every movie and it does eventually get old. I do enjoy the period story telling of an old western farm and how life works on one. Dorothy McGuire does a good job as the mother and Jeff York returns as the annoying freeloading neighbor. This movie is worth checking out. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/07/24 Full Review Garrett W A timeless classic and one of my favorite movies! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/29/24 Full Review Sam G This film has traumatized generations of American children. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/02/23 Full Review Jack W My dad saw this movie as a kid. He was upset when yeller was shot. Terrible. Don't recommend Rated 1 out of 5 stars 09/22/23 Full Review Russell H Not a bad story based on becoming a man. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/20/23 Full Review Chris W This is a timeless classic. All children 8-12 yrs old should see this movie with their parents. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Old Yeller

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Movie Info

Synopsis While Jim Coates (Fess Parker) is off on a cattle drive, his wife, Katie (Dorothy McGuire), and sons, Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), are left behind on their Texas ranch. When a runaway dog named Old Yeller causes damage in one of their fields, Travis tries to drive him away. However, Travis and Katie both warm to Old Yeller when he saves Arliss from a bear attack. As Travis and the brave and faithful dog grow closer, concern grows about an outbreak of rabies.
Director
Robert Stevenson
Producer
Walt Disney
Screenwriter
Fred Gipson, William Tunberg
Production Co
Walt Disney Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 25, 1957, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Runtime
1h 23m
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