Disney Studios' first and best boy-and-his-dog film, set in Texas in 1969. 15-year-old Travis Coates (Kirk) is left in charge of the family farm while dad Jim (Parker) is away on a cattle drive. When his younger brother Arliss (Corcoran) brings home a stray dog, Travis is displeased but lets him stay. Yeller saves Travis's life, but contracts rabies in the process. Keep tissue handy, especially for the kids. Strong acting, effective scenery--all good stuff. Based on the novel by Fred Gipson. Sequel "Savage Sam" released in 1963.
Newspaper article from: International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers; 1/1/2001; Price, Victoria ; 1659+ words...Friendly Persuasion (Wyler) (as Eliza Birdwell) 1957 OldYeller (Stevenson) (as Katie Coates) 1959 The Remarkable Mr...Film mogul David O. Selznick signed the 25-year-old actress to a personal contract and brought her to Hollywood...