Old Yeller

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Old Yeller

G

1957

1h 23m

Kids & Family

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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21 Reviews

79%

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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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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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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/26/2010

5/5

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

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Variety Staff

Variety

03/26/2009

Disney organization's flair for taking a homely subject and building a heartwarming film is again aptly demonstrated in this moving story.

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TIME Magazine

03/09/2009

It comes from Disney's thoroughly proved mother lode: movies for the kids that adults will stay to enjoy themselves.

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Janet Graves

Photoplay

11/17/2021

With each new adventure, Walt Disney's live-action craftsmen show increasing skill at capturing the excitement and rich flavor of America's heritage.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

05/07/2020

9/10

Not just a boy and his dog story but a coming of age tale about a boy becoming a man. Very well done

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Sky Cinema

11/18/2017

4/5

Both an exciting adventure and an effective tear-jerker.

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andrew H

@andrew512 May 22

TRASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Apr 17

Old Yeller is, in my opinion, the best live-action Disney film from the 1950s. It is a simple story, but it hits with so much heart, warmth, and emotional power that it stays with you long after it ends. The bond between the boy and his dog feels real and deeply moving, and the film does an amazing job showing love, loyalty, and growing up. What makes it stand out is how honest it is. It does not rely on flashy effects or fake emotion. Instead, it tells a touching story with strong performances, beautiful scenery, and a powerful ending that truly leaves an impact. It is one of Disney’s most memorable live-action films, and easily a 10/10 for me.

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Kymber H.

@SandlotLover17 Jan 22

A classic Disney film about the relationship between a boy and his dog. Makes me cry every time. If you like this one, I recommend the book Where the Red Fern Grows.

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William L

@RT72064152 Jan 4

I think this might be the best Disney movie that was ever made. I don’t know how in the world you could do better hi than this. Who could this not appeal to?

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Vincent W

@Gojirilla5419 Oct 1

I absolutely love this movie! yes it’s sad at times, but that makes it better!

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Student: Jake M

@RT92949159 10/28/2024

This was awesome and kinda sad when Old Yeller left his former owner to join Travis. I’m surprised that Old Yeller wasn’t adopted by a child until his former owner traded Yeller to Travis. Travis felt really bad for Old Yeller fighting with most predators. This was a good story to watch and teaches me how to treat a dog fairly.

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Robert Stevenson

Director

Dorothy McGuire

Katie Coates

Fess Parker

Jim Coates

Tommy Kirk

Travis Coates

Kevin Corcoran

Arliss Coates

Jeff York

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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