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Whistle Stopper - Old Yeller
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List Price: $9.99
Our Price: $4.90
Your Save: $ 5.09 ( 51% )
Availability:
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Distribution Company
Starring: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Tommy Kirk, Jeff York, Chuck Connors
Directed By: Robert Stevenson
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780788832864
Format: Closed-captioned
ISBN: 0788832867
Label: Buena Vista Distribution Company
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Distribution Company
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Buena Vista Distribution Company
Release Date: 2002-05-07
Running Time: 83
Studio: Buena Vista Distribution Company
Theatrical Release Date: 1957-12-25
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: WASN'T IMPRESSED
Comment: This movie hit the theaters on Christmas Day in 1957 starring Dorothy McGuire as Katie Coates, Fess Parker as Jim Coates and Jeff York as Bud Searcy. Based on the novel by Fred Gipson, Old Yeller is set in Texas in 1869. While his father is away on a cattle drive, 15-year-old Travis Coates takes over management of the family farm. Adopting a strictly business policy, Travis is irritated when younger brother, Arliss, adopts a frisky stray dog. Soon Travis is as fond of the dog as everyone else in the family is; moreover, "Old Yeller" is an excellent watchdog. However, while fighting off a mad wolf, Yeller is infected with rabies. Though Yeller seems unaffected at first, he eventually behaves so viciously that the disheartened Travis has no choice but to **** *** ***. A heart-to-heart talk between Travis and his returning father coupled with the adoption of a new pup, paves the way to an emotional but reasonably happy ending. Earning eight million dollars domestically on its first release, Old Yeller convinced Walt Disney to devote more and more time to live-action films and less time to animation, which at the time was a great business move. In 1963, Disney released a lesser sequel to Old Yeller titled Savage Sam. I was wasn't that crazy about this picture either. To me once the dog got in the fight the movie was over. I give this movie Two-weasel stars because there was not much drama or action in this movie other then the fight with the wolf.
Customer Rating:
Summary: You can't afford to waste the good part frettin' about the bad. That makes it all bad.
Comment: When I watched Old Yeller a few years ago, I had not seen it for many years. I had completely forgotten how powerful it was and was completely blown away by it's brilliance! One of Disney's finest! This film has stood the test of time incredibly well and, in fact, is probably only more powerful now than when it was first released. Superbly scripted, sensitively directed, and loaded with power packed performances! Simplistic and sincere, honest and real. Old Yeller plays like a breath of fresh air, making most movies of today look like cinematic smog.
Perfectly cast, with fine, first rate performances. Tommy Kirk gives the standout performance of his career! Completely convincing, he brings an authenticity and genuineness to his character, in this most challenging of roles, as he runs the gamut of human emotions. Dorothy McGuire is perfect as Katie Coates, bringing a gentleness and warmth to the role of the mother. Not to be over-shadowed though, Kevin Corcoran gives an outstandingly astounding performance, especially for one so young, as the youngest member of the Coates family, Arliss. Jeff York, as always, is a delight, injecting some light-hearted humor into his role. And while Fess Parker may not have a great deal of on screen time, his performance is played with great sincerity, strength, and warmth. Rounding out the cast, with fine performances, are Beverly Washburn and Chuck Conners. Not forgetting scene-stealing Spike the dog, who is totally charming and completely disarming in the title role.
More than just a story about a boy and his dog, this is a story about life and living. About the highs and the lows, of good times and bad, of loving and losing. For me, the most memorable moment of the film is the scene towards the end, between Fess Parker and Tommy Kirk, between father and son. To quote from the film, "Well, now and then, for no good reason a man can figure out, life will just haul off, and knock him flat. Slam him again' the ground so hard it seems like all his insides is busted. But it's not all like that. A lot of it's mighty fine. And you can't afford to waste the good part frettin' about the bad. That makes it all bad." To me, this sums up the heart of the movie, and is one of the most touching and moving moments in motion picture history.
This is certainly one of Disney's best movies of all time. Endearingly enduring, it remains great wholesome family viewing. A must see for everyone!
PS - This DVD set contains some excellent bonus materials!
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Classic Tear-Jerker
Comment: Shortly after Jim Coates leaves his wife and two young sons alone on their Texas frontier homestead to go on a cattle drive, the family takes in a large, thieving, stray, yellow dog as pet and protector. The story follows the time of Jim's absence and Old Yeller's stay, as the endearing dog takes on the roles of play-pal to little Arliss and chore partner to teenage Travis, and fights off dangerous animals to protect them all, putting himself in great danger. However, with the closeness of animals to the lives of American frontier-folk, diseases like rabies prove to be just as looming a threat, as the Coates family comes to learn in one of the most heart-wrenching endings in both literary and cinematic history.
"Old Yeller" is a masterpiece of filmmaking and definitely among the finest work from the Walt Disney Studios to date. The tale is plain and simple, softer than the famous Fred Gipson book it was based on but extremely loyal at the same time, and easily one of the greatest coming-of-age tales of love and loss ever written or filmed. Painstaking detail was put into recreating life on the Texas frontier in this Disney classic, and though it was released in 1957, claims that the film is loaded with 50's sensibilities may be a bit unjust. This film is set shortly after the Civil War, not in modern day. Having things like the man being "head of the household" or "breadwinner" aren't always just 50's sensibilities. Anyway, if one takes a good look at Disney films of the time, one might be surprised to find that the Disney films often depict more believable families than what you'd see on television sitcoms and other films of the period. "Old Yeller" doesn't fall short in that area either. There are only seven human members to the cast, and all are outstanding (most Disney regulars) in strong, believable roles. Tommy Kirk (The Shaggy Dog, The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, The Hardy Boys, Swiss Family Robinson) is the human lead as Travis Coates, the young teenager who grows closest to "Old Yeller" and is hurt the most when the dog meets his emotional and legendary end. Kevin "Moochie" Corcoran (The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, Toby Tyler) is little brother Arliss, a feisty little boy who throws rocks and never sits still. Dorothy McGuire (Swiss Family Robinson, Summer Magic) is the ever motherly Katie Coates, and Disney legend Fess Parker (Davy Crockett, The Great Locomotive Chase) rounds out the family as fatherly and loving Jim Coates. The always hilarious Jeff York plays lazy, meal-mooching neighbor Bud Searcy, with Beverly Washburn as his sweet and put-upon daughter with a crush on young Travis. The final human castmember is the well-known Chuck Connors, who plays Old Yeller's original owner and a kind visitor to the Coates' farmstead. Throw in Spike the dog as the title character, no less impressive an actor than any of them, and you have one of Hollywood's greatest casts! Not to mention that this was directed by Robert Stevenson (Mary Poppins, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Love Bug), one of Hollywood's all-time greatest directors! No, there's really nothing much corny or extremely '"50's" about this movie, if that's what you've been led to believe, aside from the "Old Yeller" theme song, though us Disney fanatics rather like it. It's wonderfully sung by Jerome Courtland (Disney's Andy Burnett).
As for the DVD edition, the 2-disc Vault Disney release (now out of print) is a real triumph! Disc One includes two bonuses in addition to the beautiful widescreen presentation of the film: A delightful Pluto Cartoon, "Bone Trouble," in which Pluto's attempt to swipe Butch's bone breakfast leads him to be chased into a hall of mirrors, and an excellent audio commentary (featuring Kevin Corcoran, Fess Parker, dog-trainer Bob Weatherwax, and more than anyone, Tommy Kirk; it seems that Kevin and Parker were recorded separately). In addition, the DVD menus look great. Disc Two's amazing Vault Disney menu is loaded with goodies. There's, "Old Yeller: Remembering a Classic," a lengthy making-of documentary full of tear-jerking interviews with the surviving cast-members along with animal trainer Bob Weatherwax and T. Beck Gipson, the son of writer Fred Gipson. There's also a nearly 15 minute featurette titled, "Conversations with Tommy Kirk." This is an enjoyable, in-depth interview with Tommy about how he got into acting as a child, met Walt Disney, and various details about his career at the Disney studios, including an unfortunate misunderstanding with Fred MacMurray. There are a couple of montages too. One is a bit of a commercial really, and doesn't have much value. It's called "Dogs!," and is nothing but a fast-paced montage of Disney dog clips. The other montage is more appreciated. It's called "Disney Studio Album," and is a montage of Disney events of 1957. A sort of Disney video yearbook. "Lost Treasures: Ranch of the Golden Oak" is a guided tour of the California property where many films are still filmed, along with reminiscence from Old Yeller's cast members of course. A Production Archive on Disc Two is loaded with galleries in the categories of "Production Stills," "Publishing," "Advertising," "Screenplay Excerpt," "Documents," and "Biographies" (of everyone but Jeff York for some reason). There's also a slideshow titled "Production Gallery," though it just features some selections from the Production Stills gallery. The DVD also offers the original theatrical trailer, a 90's TV commercial for a TV airing, and another tear-jerker labeled, "News Segment: Old Yeller Memorial." This is a report on an Old Yeller statue dedication in writer Fred Gipson's hometown and focuses on his son. Laura Bush also gives a speech at this sentimental ceremony. What non-Texan folks might not know is that this isn't really a news segment, it's from an excellent Texas television program called "Texas Country Reporter." It's a long running show that is not unlike "Made In America" or other such shows on the more educational/informative cable channels like TLC, Travel Channel, or Food Network, just a little more down-homey. Also on Disc Two is a virtual jukebox featuring various audio explorations. There are two interactive Sound Studio experiences, a selection of Radio Spots, a Foley Demonstration, and a vintage "Old Yeller" record album story told by Fess Parker with dialogue from the film. Last, but certainly not least, one of my favorite types of extras to find on a Disney DVD, we get a complete episode of the Disneyland TV series! The episode, hosted by Walt, is "The Best Doggone Dog in the World." This treat shows us dogs of the world, introduces Dorothy McGuire talking about the film "Old Yeller" and narrating clips, and presents to us a "True-Life Adventure" type story about Arizona sheepdogs at work. A wonderful addition to a wonderful DVD release!
Ya know, I gotta say, as much as I love the Disney Renaissance period of films like "The Little Mermaid," "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," and so on, whenever I am walking around a Disney theme park and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells, it's films like this that really come to mind for me. The company still churns out some gems now and then, but Walt's legacy is the work the studio made under his guidance, and it really is at least as good as anything made after he was gone. Walking down nostalgic Main Street or anywhere else in the Magic Kingdom, I love having films like "The Happiest Millionaire," Pollyanna," "Swiss Family Robinson," and "Old Yeller" to look back on, and it's a shame that more young people aren't exposed to such films today. Thank goodness they're available on DVD for those who care enough to purchase them. Of course, as I mentioned, this Vault Disney 2-disc release is no longer in print and recently has become difficult to find. As with a few other excellent Disney releases, they have been recently rereleased in double feature editions, sometimes still in 2-disc sets, but usually missing some very nice extras. In Old Yeller's case, the film has been released on another 2-disc set, this time paired with its underrated sequel, "Savage Sam." While it's a fine way to acquire "Savage Sam" if you don't have it yet, I still recommend seeking out the Vault Disney edition if you don't yet have "Old Yeller." All the double feature lacks is the audio commentary, but for me that was reason enough to seek out the Vault Disney release. I will probably get the double-feature anyway to acquire "Savage Sam" though.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Will Always remain a classic
Comment: I fell in love with this movie many years ago as a kid, and it still remains a treasured classic in my heart. This movie embodied more than just the heart-warming love between a boy and his dog who've been through thick and thin together. What this movie embodies is old American values, things we barely see anymore in today's society. I loved seeing a woman worry about her husband who was about to go off on a three-month long cow drive. I liked that men acknowledged young Travis's delegated authority to be in charge of the house while his father was away. They did their part by grooming him and helping him to be a man. You could also tell who was worthless.
Yes, Old Yeller was more than just a movie about a young man and his dog. It was about a young man becoming a man by making one of the toughest decisions in his life at a very young age. As Fess Parker's character at the end of the movie says to Travis, "That's pretty rough son, but I'm proud of how my boy handled the situation. I couldn't ask much more of a man."
These are the reasons why this movie is a classic and brings tears to my eyes. It has heart and true American sprirt.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Best Doggone Dog in the West
Comment: Life was tough in the old west. There were wild critters, Native Americans (annoyed that someone was taking their land, again), insufficient rain, the lecherous fat guy looking to mooch your food, and hydrophoby (hydrophobia, also known as rabies). Yep, life was tough in the old west. But no problem, Katie Coates (classy actor Dorothy McGuire who appeared in numerous roles in movies such as "Friendly Persuasion," "Swiss Family Robinson," and "Summer Magic") manages to survive everything with the support of son Travis (Disney regular Tommy Kirk). Katie needed help because her other son Arliss (Kevin Corcoran, another Disney regular) was an obnoxious brat.
Father Jim Coates (Fess Parker, who was already a huge success in Disney's Davy Crockett shows) goes on a trip, leaving Katie, Travis and Arliss to fend for themselves. Before long a big yellow dog shows up, much to Arliss's delight. Initially Travis resents the dog because it causes him a lot of work when the dog causes destruction on the farm. However, the big yellow dog is friendly and manages to save Arliss's life. Old Yeller even wins Travis's love.
Much of this movie is a comedy. Arliss and Old Yeller keep us entertained with their antics. Old Yeller is so big and lovable that you have to laugh sometimes. Old Yeller is also very protective of his new family.
As I said before, life is tough in the old west. Wild animals existed all around the Coates homestead. One day a wolf attacks the family. The only thing that saves the family is the big yellow dog. Katie quickly realizes that the wolf had rabies, and she pens Old Yeller up to learn whether the wolf has given Old Yeller rabies.
I leave you to watch the end of the movie for yourself.
"Old Yeller" is one of those movies that deliberately tugs at your heartstrings. Even I struggled to keep my eyes from watering when Travis faced Old Yeller in the shed. However, Disney movies nearly always end with a message of hope and love, and so does this one.
Sometimes it feels good to have your emotions manipulated, even if you are sad for a little while. This movie does it so well that you may want to watch it twice in a row.
Enjoy!
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Editorial Reviews:
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No film better captures the powerful emotions of hope, courage, and friendship than this treasured and much beloved classic, OLD YELLER. The quintessential tale of a boy's love for his dog has touched the hearts of millions, its enduring legacy growing with each new generation and is "still one of the best!" (Leonard Maltin) Set amidst the landscape of 1860s Texas, a young boy named Travis (Tommy Kirk) wants nothing to do with the lop-eared stray. But Old Yeller quickly proves himself a loyal friend, protecting the family and saving Travis' life. Soon they become inseparable pals, sharing joyous experiences and learning valuable lessons about growing up.
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