Old Yeller is a 1957 American western drama film. It tells the story of a little kid and a stray dog in post-Civil War Texas. The film is based on Fred Gipson’s 1956 novel of the same name. The film’s success prompted a 1963 sequel, Savage Sam, which was based on Gipson’s 1962 novel.
Directed By: Robert Stevenson
Starring: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Jeff York, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Beverly Washburn and Chuck Connors
Revenue: $6.25 million (U.S./Canada)
Synopsis:
While Jim Coates (Fess Parker) is away on a cattle drive, his wife Katie (Dorothy McGuire) and sons Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss (Kevin Corcoran) are left on their Texas ranch. Travis attempts to drive away a runaway dog named Old Yeller who causes damage in one of their farms. When Old Yeller saves Arliss from a bear attack, Travis and Katie both warm to him. As Travis and the brave and faithful dog get closer, there is growing anxiety about a rabies outbreak.