I find most modern kids movies so flat becuase I know they will have a happy ending, the tension they try to create does not develop because you know that it will all turn out well in the end. Well, it wasn't always that way, there was a time when Disney movies sometimes ended with sadness (think Charlottes web) and this is the best of them. Old Yeller is a movie that gets me everytime and I love it.

The quintessential boy/dog movie. It does have obvious correlations with Marjorie Rawling's "The Yearling". I first saw this film on TV when I was six years old or so. Interestingly, at that time, I remember the Chuck Connors character as menacing and almost evil. On viewing as an adult, that character was a perfect gentleman, giving up the dog to the boy when he was under absolutely no obligation to do so. Also interesting to see the casual, and basically unnoticed cruelty of the Travis character toward the little girl. I don't remember even noticing that as a child. Disney knew how to make real family entertainment in those days. Now, it seems that material suitable for children is targeted directly at them, and is generally a chore for adults to sit through. OY found a way to split the difference. Truly a classic.

this is a brilliant story to give to a youngr child! tells the heartwarming tale of a boys love for his dog, and thei companionship through thick and thin! be warned, after this your child is sure to yearn after a dog of their own though, as the boy and the dog have such a nice friendship that will really touch viewers!