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Old Yeller Review

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this classic 1950's tearjerker about love and loss between a frontier family and a dog has characters hunting with rifles, and fierce battles between Old Yeller and various wild animals that could be too intense for younger viewers. And, of course, there is the now-legendary climax of the film, which could definitely be difficult for children still coming to grips with life and death of pets and people. Still, it is a classic story of loss, and an excellent way to begin a discussion of those issues.

  • Families can talk about how the Coates family lives. 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's attitudes towards Old Yeller change throughout the movie?

The good stuff
  • educationalvalue true0

    Educational value: This film is intended to entertain, not educate, but kids will get a glimpse of a bygone era.

  • message true2

    Messages: Faced with tremendous difficulties and heartbreak, there is always a resilience to the human spirit. Also, even though loving and caring for another being can be difficult and painful, it's worth it.

  • rolemodels true3

    Role models: Katie Coates is a strong frontierswoman and a firm but loving mother to her two songs. As the oldest son in charge of maintaining the ranch while his father is on a cattlerun, Travis Coates learns hard work and responsibility. The father gives some great guidance to his son dealing with loss.

What to watch for
  • violence false3

    Violence and scariness: As a western set in the 1950's, there's lots of hunting with rifles in this film. The youngest boy throws rocks at other characters when he's upset. Old Yeller fights with wolves, a bear, and wild pigs. While trying to rope the wild pigs, Travis falls and gets attacked by one of the animals, who bites and stabs at his leg, leaving him injured and bloody. And then, of course, there's the legendary ending, when Old Yeller must be put out of his misery.

  • sex false0

    Sexy stuff: Not an issue

  • language false0

    Language: Not an issue

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue

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© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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5

by emmag14

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