Best pals Kevin Corcoran and Spike (Old Yeller). Image: CNN
Warning: Contains Spoilers
Sometimes, in a movie, you can spot the Set-Up in the first few scenes.
But a good filmmaker knows this, and uses it to build tension.
That’s what we thought when we watched the family drama, Old Yeller (1957). This film, from Walt Disney Productions, is an endearing tale of a family struggling to scratch a livelihood in the Texas wilderness.
They’re a strong, close-knit family, not only because they have to be, but also because they genuinely love each other. Even when the father (Fess Parker) – who is, at best, a supporting character – leaves to join a cattle drive, you acutely feel his absence because the family does.
It’s left to the mother (Dorothy McGuire) to raise her sons and keep the homestead functioning. This would be no small task, which is why McGuire’s flawless makeup and hair, in these circumstances, qualify her as a Superhero.
Then are the two sons, played by Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran, plus an adorable yellow dog, a stray whom Kirk dubs “Ol’ Yeller”.
These are our protagonists, and already we know we’re following them into a heart-wrenching, No-Win Situation.
The glam homesteader, Dorothy McGuire, and Tommy Kirk. Image: IMDb
Old Yeller, the dog, is a scoundrel. He steals food and raids chicken houses, which is a real Liability for homesteaders. However, young Corcoran becomes fast friends with the dog and begs his mother to keep him.
Big brother Kirk, at first, is against the dog, and for good reason: He’s more trouble than he’s Worth. But when Old Yeller chases away an angry mother bear, Kirk develops a begrudging respect for the mutt, and the two become inseparable, even hunting wild hogs together.
But! When a rabid wolf attacks a cow on the homestead, Old Yeller chases him away and is bitten in the process.
You know where this is headed, don’t you?
Kirk refuses to believe Old Yeller may have contracted rabies, and he convinces his mother to quarantine the dog to see if symptoms develop. Eventually they do, but Kirk says nothing to his family.
To make matters worse, young Corcoran tries to climb into the pen to visit Old Yeller, and the formerly affable dog prepares to attack the little boy.
An alarmed McGuire grabs the shotgun. The dog must be put down, not only for the family’s safety, but to end its own suffering.
Kirk takes the shotgun from McGuire. “He was my dog,” he says, with startling clarity and resolve. “I’ll do it.”
Kirk’s thousand-yard stare. Image: Lightbox
Kirk’s character is, understandably, traumatized by this event. He’s changed. He’s become grown up and withdrawn.
When Parker the Dad returns from the cattle drive, he tries to reach his detached son. He knows there’s no quick way to heal this wound, and he doesn’t patronize the lad. Instead, he offers empathy.
“Now and then, for no good reason a man can figure out,” he says, “life will just haul off and knock him flat.”
Parker’s words are for us as much as they are for Kirk. It’s a folksy way of saying Life’s not Fair. But sometimes it helps to know other people have Been There, especially if they are family.
It appears this film touched that curmudgeonly New York Times film critic, Bosley Crowther, who said it was a “warm, appealing little rustic tale [that] unfolds in lovely color photography. Sentimental, yes, but also sturdy as a hickory stick.”1
Old Yeller may appear dated, but its core message is still relevant. There are times we have to make the tough decisions, but family can help soften the blow.
This is a contribution to theFAMILYTHON hosted by 18 Cinema Lane.
Old Yeller: starring Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Tommy Kirk. Directed by Robert Stevenson. Written by Fred Gipson & William Tunberg. Walt Disney Productions, 1957, Colour, 83 mins.
OH, I love your ending: “Old Yeller may seem dated, but its core message remains timely. There are times we have to make the tough decisions, but family can help soften the blow.” So true! 🙂 Hope you’re well, my friend.
Old Yeller has aged well. I built it up in head, thinking I wouldn’t cry, because I never had a dog. Then it hit me and I wept for the best doggone dog in the West.
I have heard of this film, so glad to finally discover what it’s all about XX I do love a weepie, but you convinced me with Dorothy Maguire. I had no idea she was in this and so you sold me on this! Also her Superhero qualities which we all aspire to..
Really nice review and thanks for participating in my blogathon! The idea of a western containing the themes of family and making tough choices reminds me of ‘When Calls the Heart’. Ever since the beginning of that show, family has always been a key component in the foundation of the story. There have also been times when the characters had to make tough decisions. Looking back on ‘When Calls the Heart’ and your review of ‘Old Yeller’, these programs carry a timelessness that allows them to stand the test of time.
You’re welcome! If you decide to check out ‘When Calls the Heart’, I’d like to let you know I’ve been re-capping the show since season five. My re-caps are called ‘Sunset Over Hope Valley’!
I first experienced Old Yeller listening to the soundtrack album in a school library. It broke my little 7th grade heart. Finally, I saw the movie, and it remains a childhood favorite. I am happy to see that others remember it
I really does. It is so honest. It wasn’t that foreign to me either, in that I wasn’t raised on a farm, but we did have to put down a few childhood pets
Silver Screenings 
OH, I love your ending: “Old Yeller may seem dated, but its core message remains timely. There are times we have to make the tough decisions, but family can help soften the blow.” So true! 🙂 Hope you’re well, my friend.
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Thanks, Sarah! Things are well, indeed. I ordered a copy of Shadows Vol 3, and it’s terrific reading.
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In the 1950s, Fess Parker had huge success playing Davy Crockett in a TV series and in movies.
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True – which seemed surprising that he has such a small role in the film. However, it is a role that casts a long shadow.
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Can’t watch this anymore, it’s a three hanky movie!
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It really is.
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I tear up just by reading the title 🙂 Maggie
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I hear you. I was tearing up while writing it. It’s a story that really gets you here (points to heart), doesn’t it?
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Still does, after all these years.
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Still makes me cry…..
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Me too! Even though I read the book & knew the outcome, it still had me reaching for tissues.
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Old Yeller has aged well. I built it up in head, thinking I wouldn’t cry, because I never had a dog. Then it hit me and I wept for the best doggone dog in the West.
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That is such a great comment. I know EXACTLY what you mean. Here to the best doggone dog in the West!
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It still makes me cry, every time. A classic tearjerker 😢
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Me too! You think about what a great dog he was, and how much he loved those kids and… Dang it. Where’s the tissue?
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I have heard of this film, so glad to finally discover what it’s all about XX I do love a weepie, but you convinced me with Dorothy Maguire. I had no idea she was in this and so you sold me on this! Also her Superhero qualities which we all aspire to..
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Haha! Yes, Dorothy certainly has superb hair & makeup in this film. I hope you get the chance to see it, but keep the tissues handy!
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I most certainly will, thanks for a fab read as always.
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Really nice review and thanks for participating in my blogathon! The idea of a western containing the themes of family and making tough choices reminds me of ‘When Calls the Heart’. Ever since the beginning of that show, family has always been a key component in the foundation of the story. There have also been times when the characters had to make tough decisions. Looking back on ‘When Calls the Heart’ and your review of ‘Old Yeller’, these programs carry a timelessness that allows them to stand the test of time.
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Thanks for recommending When Calls the Heart. It sounds worthwhile.
Also, thank you for hosting this fab blogathon!
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You’re welcome! If you decide to check out ‘When Calls the Heart’, I’d like to let you know I’ve been re-capping the show since season five. My re-caps are called ‘Sunset Over Hope Valley’!
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I can’t watch that movie without sobbing! I haven’t seen it in so long but I watched it a lot when I was younger.
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Yup, a real tear jerker. I was almost tearing up while working on this review, for pete sake.
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Excellent review Ruth! I haven’t watched this movie and I’m not familiar with the cast. It sounds like a sentimental and sad story.
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It is sentimental and sad, exactly as you said. But well worth it!
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Ah, this movie brings back memories–in the seventh grade we had to read the book and watch the movie. Classic.
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Your Englush teacher had excellent taste.
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I first experienced Old Yeller listening to the soundtrack album in a school library. It broke my little 7th grade heart. Finally, I saw the movie, and it remains a childhood favorite. I am happy to see that others remember it
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Aw, the thought of Old Yeller breaking your “little 7th grade heart” is, in itself, heartbreaking. That story has a way of getting to you, doesn’t it?
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I really does. It is so honest. It wasn’t that foreign to me either, in that I wasn’t raised on a farm, but we did have to put down a few childhood pets
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Yikes – that is tough as a kid…and even as an adult.
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It was, but looking back now, I see how my dad had the worst of it!
I am still reading, even though I am behind. Love your posts, all of them
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Thanks so much!
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