Old Yeller (1957)

Old Yeller (1957): Dir: Robert Stevenson / Cast: Fess Parker, Dorothy Maguire, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Chuck Connors: Who was prepared for the violent undertones of this so-called family film? Here is an example of the rating system misfiring. It is one thing to chastise a restricted film for violence, but it is another to consider a film such as this "family" viewing. Parental guidance is suggested here for its final adult move. The plot regards a yellow dog bearing the title name that is befriended into a family that lives on a farm. This dog is heroic as it engages in combat with bulls, boars and bears but once the dog is inflicted with rabies we witness the disturbing finale. Unsuitable for children yet its message is still relevant on its move to adulthood. It is beautifully shot with wonderful wildlife footage. Director Robert Stevenson sets the film's mood but he seems to have no idea what audience should view this garbage. Among the cast only Tommy Kirk seems broad. He at first rejects Yeller until the dog becomes heroic. Kirk will unfortunately have to bullet the dog once rabies factor in. The rest of the cast is cardboard. Kevin Corcoran plays younger brother who discovers Yeller. Fess Parker as father is gone through most of the film. Dorothy Maguire as mother is pretty standard. The film is like life itself. It has its ups and downs but ultimately an end. Score: 4 ½ / 10

It is a heart-warming tale of a boy's friendship with a dog. In late 19th century Texas, a homesteader leaves his wife (Dorothy McGuire) and his two sons for a few months to make some fortune in the city. He leaves his elder son Travis (Fess Parker) in charge of the family. The very next day, the family comes across a stray dog. They name him Yeller and very soon he becomes a well-beloved family pet. Yeller is a smart dog and acts as a guardian for the family.Yeller is in fact the protagonist of the story. His personality is well developed and he steals our hearts with no effort. The dog playing Yeller was one expressive canine. You can very clearly see the emotions on his face. It is romanticized depiction of the old west but who cares. The location is picturesque. There are plenty of animals; lizards, snakes, toads, hogs, horses, cows, bears, wolves and of course dogs. They seem to be well-trained; most of their scenes look extremely natural. Add to that, the characters are all charming as simple, hard-working and good-natured folk. And, you have an enjoyable little movie for both kids and adults.

I read recently that this is the film that got Chuck Connors his job as "the rifleman". Chuck's character is the original owner of the dog. When he hears that his dog is on the property, he pays the family a visit. The interaction between Chuck's character and the little boy will be familiar to people who loved his Rifleman character. The people trying to hire Chuck for the role or Lucas McCain offered him a low pay figure. Chuck Connors decline to accept the job as "Lucas McCain" due to the poor pay. When the directors saw Chuck in 'Old Yeller" , they raised their offer. "The Rifleman" became a classic as did "Old Yeller".

In 1860s Texas, a youngster must act as man of the house when his rancher-father joins a three-month-long cattle drive; he and his ever-patient, ever-smiling mother take in a lovable stray dog who saves his little brother from a bear, and all grow attached to the mongrel even as a strain of hydrophobia spreads throughout the wildlife. Simple, episodic frontier tale given the Walt Disney touch: lots of cute, heart-tugging sentiment, plus a prescient 'circle of life' message at the end. Tommy Kirk gives arguably his best juvenile performance here, and mom Dorothy McGuire beams commendably without lapsing into syrupy goodness. The gorgeous color photography, the warm family narrative, and a jaunty title song all conspired to make the picture a box-office winner, but the main reason it's called a Disney Classic today is because of that dog. Disney did many things right, one of which was picking the very best animal actors for his live-action comedies and adventures. This lop-eared hound is a beauty to behold, and should enchant even non-dog lovers! **1/2 from ****