Where the Red Fern Grows (G)

Moving version of the classic novel.

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Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Westamerica Film
  • Directed By: Norman Tokar
  • Cast: James Whitmore
  • Running Time: 97 minutes
  • Release Date: 06/24/1974
  • Genre: Family and Kids
  • MPAA Rating: G
  • MPAA Explanation: general audiences.

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that the movie casts an unflinching gaze on the hard lives of its characters. Kids who watch this movie will see a boy take a fatal fall onto an axe and a dog die in a mountain lion attack. The film extols the value of hard work and loyalty to build character, and offers a realistic, unflinching look at backwoods life in the 1930s.

Families can talk about its message. What do you think the filmmakers were trying to get across? How did this film influence you?

Message

Social Behavior:

The film extols the value of hard work and loyalty to build character.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

A boy takes a fatal fall onto an axe. A dog dies in a mountain lion attack.

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Scott G. Mignola

In WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, young Billy Coleman works odd jobs so he can buy a pair of coonhounds. The dogs, Dan and Ann, don't disappoint. With training, they develop quite a reputation, and soon the raccoon pelts are piling high. They even tree the notorious "ghost coon," which wins Billy a two dollar bet with some hillbilly boys, one of whom falls on Billy's twin-bladed axe in a scuffle and dies. "Momma," Billy says, devastated, "you can stop worryin' now 'cause I ain't never gonna go huntin' again." But the Championship Coon Hunt is too great a temptation to pass up. Dan and Ann make the finals, but a fierce storm forces Billy to give up a sure win to find his injured Grandpa. More hard choices follow for Billy, each carrying him one step closer to manhood.

Is it any good?

4

This 1974 film version of the Wilson Rawls novel, set in the Ozarks of the 1930s, is about a place where people are good to one another, during a time when hard work and compassion are rewarded. But there's a deeper layer as well, which slowly unravels to expose a boy struggling toward adulthood, grappling with the large issues of life and death and the heartaches that lie in between.

If the performances seem a bit over-starched at times, they never fail to do their job. Like the acting, the songs (written by the Osmonds and performed with utmost sincerity by Andy Williams) are obviously of another era. Adults may find it amusing to hear Williams crooning about running free as the wind while Billy adoringly trains his pups, but they'll be touched in spite of themselves. It's just that kind of a movie.

Other choices

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 5 reviews.

2


Posted on 06/27/08 by seto006 Adult contributor

This is really sad...

Did they use like $200 on this?! It is a disgrace to the book. In the book, it's really graphic, in this, it's a little bit of ketchup! I nearly cried when I saw the moms acting. SHE IS THE WORST ACTRESS EVER!!! The book is award winning. This is garbage! Dont't watch!
5


Posted on 05/13/08 by alrozz Adult contributor

Totally Exhuberating

Billy Coleman not only learns about hard work pays off, but the message is very clear for children of all ages to know respect, values and trust. I've watched this movie over 100 times and it never gets old. When you wake up on a Saturday morning and the rain is falling outside with thunder which makes it a dull day, your mistaken. All you have to do is pop in your DVD of "Where the red ferns grow" and pop up some popcorn and a nice glass of Pepsi on ice and sit back and enjoy a great movie to watch that will make you cry, make you laugh and make you realize how precious life really is and on the spiritual side of things it's definitely a thumbs up and for animal lovers I went out and bought me two Redbone Hounds and we named them Little Ann and Dan.
5


Posted on 05/07/08 by monkeyking14 Kid contributor, age 11

this is a great book

this is great!! if you love animal story's then you have to read this book! although if you don't like dogs dieing then be ready for the end. it is very sad. all i will say is the mountain lion in the beginning comes back.
3

Posted on 04/11/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I was bored and exhilirated at the same time

This movie gives a great view on how hard work pays off. It also shows that through Hard work you have some disapointments as well but if you stick to it everything will work out in the end. Great message!!!
5


Posted on 05/12/06 by CelticBoy Kid contributor, age 10

This was sad

This was sad

Adult Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

2


Posted on 06/27/08 by seto006 Adult contributor

This is really sad...

Did they use like $200 on this?! It is a disgrace to the book. In the book, it's really graphic, in this, it's a little bit of ketchup! I nearly cried when I saw the moms acting. SHE IS THE WORST ACTRESS EVER!!! The book is award winning. This is garbage! Dont't watch!
5


Posted on 05/13/08 by alrozz Adult contributor

Totally Exhuberating

Billy Coleman not only learns about hard work pays off, but the message is very clear for children of all ages to know respect, values and trust. I've watched this movie over 100 times and it never gets old. When you wake up on a Saturday morning and the rain is falling outside with thunder which makes it a dull day, your mistaken. All you have to do is pop in your DVD of "Where the red ferns grow" and pop up some popcorn and a nice glass of Pepsi on ice and sit back and enjoy a great movie to watch that will make you cry, make you laugh and make you realize how precious life really is and on the spiritual side of things it's definitely a thumbs up and for animal lovers I went out and bought me two Redbone Hounds and we named them Little Ann and Dan.
3

Posted on 04/11/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I was bored and exhilirated at the same time

This movie gives a great view on how hard work pays off. It also shows that through Hard work you have some disapointments as well but if you stick to it everything will work out in the end. Great message!!!

Kids Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 05/07/08 by monkeyking14 Kid contributor, age 11

this is a great book

this is great!! if you love animal story's then you have to read this book! although if you don't like dogs dieing then be ready for the end. it is very sad. all i will say is the mountain lion in the beginning comes back.
5


Posted on 05/12/06 by CelticBoy Kid contributor, age 10

This was sad

This was sad
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