Common Sense Media Review
Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.
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Old Yeller
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say this film evokes strong emotional responses due to its traumatic and sad themes, particularly the tragic fate of a beloved dog, which many find inappropriate for younger audiences. However, some reviews recognize its powerful life lessons regarding loss, loyalty, and courage, suggesting it can be beneficial for children who are mature enough to process its serious topics.
- emotional impact
- life lessons
- suitable for mature children
- tragedy central
- parental guidance advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say that while the film is a great depiction of family and friendship, it can be quite disturbing for younger audiences due to its violent scenes and the emotional ending where the dog is put down. Many viewers appreciate the adaptation of the classic novel, but consensus suggests that it might not be suitable for children under a certain age due to its themes of loss and the depiction of violence against animals.
- family dynamics
- emotional impact
- violent scenes
- age-appropriate concerns
- adaptation success
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At the start of OLD YELLER, in 1869 Texas, Jim Coates (Fess Parker) leaves his family for three months to sell their cattle, and tells his older son, Travis (Tommy Kirk) to take care of his mother, Katie (Dorothy McGuire) and his younger brother, Arliss (Kevin Corcoran). When a stray dog comes to their farm, Arliss "claims" him, over Travis' objections. But Old Yeller turns out to be an outstanding dog and pal for Travis. When Old Yeller saves Katie from a rabid wolf, Travis is faced with the hardest decision of his young life.
Is It Any Good?
This classic family film is a touching tale. The scene when Jim returns, as Travis and his friend Lisbeth are burying Old Yeller, is particularly meaningful. Jim tells him that the loss of Yeller is "not a thing you can forget. Maybe not a thing you want to forget. ... Now and then, for no good reason a man can figure out, life will just haul off and knock him flat. … I'll tell you a trick that's sometimes a big help. Start looking around for something good to take the place of the bad."
Jim's talk with Travis is a model of parental wisdom, understanding, and patience. He accepts and validates Travis' feelings completely, and does not try to minimize or talk him out of them. (Contrast that with Lisbeth, who tries to comfort Travis by encouraging him to "come to like the pup.") Instead of telling him what to do, he says, "I'll tell you a trick that's sometimes a big help," letting him decide for himself whether to take the advice. Travis was not just reluctant to adopt Old Yeller at first -- he was downright hostile because of the loss of his first dog, Belle. That, at the end of the movie, he is able to accept Young Yeller more easily shows how much he has grown up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Coates family lives in Old Yeller. How do they get their food, talk, and behave in ways that are different and similar to families today?
What do you think the ultimate message of the movie is?
How does Travis' attitude toward Old Yeller change throughout the movie?
How do the characters in Old Yeller demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 1957
- On DVD or streaming : May 7, 2002
- Cast : Dorothy McGuire , Fess Parker , Jeff York
- Director : Robert Stevenson
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 12, 2026
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