Today's young people should really take a look a look at this family movie. The morals and the lessons learned are very good. The story is simple, a boy and his dogs. What's important about this film is how different life was without television, cellphones, the internet, children did chores and helped their parents, and listened to what their parents had to say. The film is good, the acting okay, the animal scenes are very good, a good wholesome film. If your kids are acting up, force them to watch this movie, and then they will appreciate on how easy they have it. I liked the movie because it takes place in Oklahoma, rural Oklahoma, far from major cities like Tulsa. Life was simple then, and family values were high, I especially liked when Billy spent the extra ten dollars on his family, rather then spend it on himself, try getting your kids to do the same, I really doubt that would happen these days. I haven't seen the remake of this film, but it would have to be awfully good to top this one.

MINOR SPOILERS WITHIN!

Where the Red Fern Grows – Dir Norman Tokar -1974 Reviewed by Ollie

This is simple, well intentioned and instantly likeable film. Made in 1974, there are evident signs of the age of the film, but this works to its advantage. This is one of the classics. Perhaps not as famous as Old Yeller, it's `older brother', which also hailed from the Disney studio's, it is equally as likeable. Stewart Petersen does a terrific job as young Billy Coleman, and makes the character immensely likeable.

The film follows Billy's life, as he desperately saves money to buy a pair of hunting dogs. It is evident that he leads a fairly poor, but honest life, and struggles with his decision to buy the dogs, as opposed to giving the money to his Father. On going to collect the dogs, he is stared at by the local folk, almost looked down upon, each one in turn glancing at this scruffy, barefoot young character as he enters `their world'. Picked on by local children, he befriends the local sheriff, who we meet again later in the film.

There are some wonderful scenes, from his first encounter with his new found friends, as they lick his toes, and he gently picks them up for the first time, to the comical scene where he is training them, and they run, followed by three children, through the house, sliding every which way on their Mothers freshly cleaned kitchen floor, in a scene which borders farcical, but knows where to draw the line, in keeping the humour gentle.

Billy is an idealistic young man, willing to take a beating and defy his mother, rather than break a promise to his dogs. All this makes him a very likeable, and identifiable character. This is further showed toward the end of the film, when his true courage and sportsmanship show themselves in a hunting competition.

This is by no means a jolly film – it's a positive tearjerker, unashamedly so. There is a death, which in itself is only mildly instrumental to the plot, but serves Billy a valuable life lesson, and the viewer is left feeling his pain and sorrow.

The end is equally sad, which I won't give away, but there is a beautiful closing shot as the camera pans away from the family, focusing on a single red fern….

There are times when deep, clever plots, and intense dialogue serve no purpose, and this film is a shining example of this. It has no pretences about what it is. It is a lesson that true beauty is found in the simplicity and innocence of a child's world.

It is quite simply, a nice film. I am not fond of the word `nice', but in this instance it serves well to describe the film. A great example that some of the older films, can still give modern Hollywood movies a run for their money. This does just that, and wins hands down all the way.

Particular mention must also be made to the soundtrack, which is perfect for the film, and simply beautiful, from the gentle incidental music, to the lyrics in every song. I watched this anticipating it to be a little `ropey', and perhaps rough around the edges, given it is 30 years old. That anticipation was the only thing the film wasn't. It really is a polished gem of a movie, and one that I can recommend very highly. Sure it's a sappy, sentimental tearjerker – it doesn't pretend to be anything else, and for that, I loved it. A very well earned 10/10!

Ollie

The 1974 version of "Where the Red Fern Grows" was shot in Tahlequah, OK at the time I was director of Theatre Tulsa, not far away. Norman Tokar, Director, came to me and asked if I would help find local children to be in the film, and I had about 200 of them sitting in my theater the next Sat. for him to choose from. He picked the two young girls from that bunch. As a gesture of appreciation, Norman gave me the role in the film that he had intended to play, himself -- the Stationmaster. Lyman Dayton, the producer, decided he'd make a new version some 25 or 30 years later, and he called me to ask if I'd reprise my role as Stationmaster in this new filming. I said, "Yes." It turned out that I was the only member of the original cast who repriced his role. There's a lot more to this story, but that'll suffice for now. Bob Telford

While the movie version of Where the Red Fern Grows is not quite as good as the book by Wilson Rawls, the film is still a quality family film and very much worth watching if you are a fan of the novel.

The changes in the plot for the movie version are minor, and most of the same themes Rawls intended for his readers can be found in the movie. However, one glaring difference is the fact that the characterization in the movie cannot touch the novel. The movie does little to build up Billy's "dog wanting" disease as well as Billy's dogged (pun intended) determination to secure himself some hunting hounds. This takes away from the reader's sympathy for and identification with the protagonist. Grandpa's character also does not come off as well as he does in the novel. In the novel, Grandpa is clearly a wise man despite his one irrational act; in the movie, he seems plain irrational, and there is no sign of his wisdom on the subjects of life and coon hunting. The extent to which the dogs are given characters and personalities in the book is not found in the movie, either. Billy's mother and father do translate fairly well from the book to the big screen, but the fact that the protagonist and his dogs do not is the major weakness of the film.

In closing, if you're a fan of the novel, then you should definitely watch this movie version, but don't expect it to be as good as the classic children's novel.

I prefer this original version to the remake. I remember watching this version on television with my father during a Saturday afternoon movie matinée when I was a young child. The authentic setting, combined with the beautifully sung score (anyone know who sang it?) and touching storyline deliver a movie that makes an impact on any dog lover. There is something enduring about the portrayal of Billy. My son is a huge dog lover and I see so much of him in Billy's character (even the doe eyes Billy makes at dogs and puppies). From the moment the opening music sounds, tears fill your eyes because you know what's coming. One of the scenes I liked best from the original wasn't in the remake: the scene where Billy is training his dogs and his mother inadvertently lays a raccoon scent trail across the kitchen floor...and both dogs, kids, and mother end up slipping and sliding across a kitchen floor covered in suds and water. Hilarious! This film has several excellent messages. It addresses determination and work ethic, but it also addresses the power of love and family. A must have for everyone's collection. Although the remake is quite good and true to the original, I recommend this original version to anyone wishing to own a video companion to the novel.

Set in the Depression Era Ozark country, the Coleman family has it pretty tough as most did in those years. But they are a wholesome lot without getting too sticky sentimental. The parents are Jack Ging and Beverly Garland and their oldest Stewart Petersen a slightly pre- pubescent adolescent has only one thing in mind. He's a country kid who has his heart set on getting and training a pair of hunting dogs for coon hunting and on the advice of his grandfather James Whitmore works like a dog to get the money to buy a pair of puppies to train.

Coon hunting is both a profession and a labor of love for those who get into it. We see young Petersen train his canines to be the best. But it comes at a tragic price.

Where The Red Fern grows is a fine family film that most likely never played in the cosmopolitan east during its release. Stewart Petersen was a Mormon Kid who did a bunch of these of varying quality during the 70s. He comes across as a real and not a Hollywood kid and he gets good support from the veteran cast. Note the Osmonds as producers. Petersen did films for the LDS church itself as well as other family features in the 70s.

Where The Red Fern Grows holds up well today. Dig the Quo Vadis type ending which explains about the significance of the Red Fern.

This was a good movie, a young boy works for 2 coon dogs and they happen to be the best coon dogs ever, don't listen to this lady calling it "gay" she is clearly retarded,the only thing i didn't like was that the night scene were shot in the day time. This movie is also sad and has a good story to it. This movie shows how the old times used to be and how much respect kids have towards older people and kids had to work for things they wanted and money was super tight, kids didn't have there parents buy them everything they wanted, and this movie shows exactally that, defiently worth watching again and is very inspiring for anyone.

This movie, without preaching, demonstrates basic American values of love and loss, and self reliability. It demonstrates why and how you only get from any effort what you put into it, and how strong love can be. I first saw this movie shortly after it's release, and it has had a profound influence on my life. We have to meet God halfway if we are requesting any help from a supreme being. Wholesome and heartwarming. It makes my eyes leak every time.

An adaptation of one of the best children's books ever written, while a good production, does not capture the magic of the book. I should know. I have read this book three times, and I love it more each time.

The atmosphere present in the book is very well morphed onto the screen. Most of the characters are very believable, and Billy is pretty good himself too. The movie also follows the book almost to a tee. The only main difference is the chemistry between the two dogs. While the dogs seemed well trained in the movie, only the human imagination can actually create the love that emulates from both of these animals.

And of course, the book is always just a little bit better anyway. If you've read the book and wish to see the movie, it might be a little disappointing. If you've seen the movie and want to read the book, do so immediately! It'll have you in tears.

I'm hoping that this doesn't spoil it much, if at all, but...

If this flick doesn't make you shed at least one tear, one has to wonder, did you cry when Old Yeller died? It's been a coon's age since I've seen this movie or read the book. But, it's one of my favorites, and will forever remain there.

It's pretty much the classic tale of childhood, love, faith, and loyalty. But, that's where it ends.

This isn't about childhood lifelong love in the sense of boy vs girl.

Billy is a young boy who sees an ad for hunting dogs. He spends a year saving up for the pups, and travels a long distance alone on foot to get the dogs. This trip alone is an adventure, but not the center of the story.

Billy trains the pups, Old Dan, and Little Anne to be coon dogs, for hunting raccoons. This is the beginning of their escapades.

The love and bond between the three, Billy, Old Dan, and Little Anne, shows throughout the movie. Near the end of the movie, you see just how strong it is when the two dogs make the ultimate sacrifice.

The tail end of the movie will leave you in tears and thinking of the original legend of the Red Fern.

In my belief, it's a MUST-SEE movie, but is well worth it.

I love it, and hope the new one is at least as good as the original. I haven't seen the one for 2003 yet.

A movie so steeped in virtue it's breathtaking. An absolute American masterpiece that enriched the lives of all that had the honor to view it.

Hello Everyone, I watched the original movie at a Saturday matinée, when I was 12 years old.

I also, just recently watched my very 1st. movie on Netflix and it was "Where The Red Fern Grows".

I can not tell you, how many times, that I have watched this movie, over the last 42 years. This is how much I love this movie.

The remake can not compare too the original movie. It left a life long impression on my heart and soul.

There is not much more that I can say, that has not been said, over the years in other reviews, of this endearing, heart-warming movie.

I may have one special advantage, over anyone else, I have had a 42 year old love affair with this movie.

It was made in 1974 and for the time, I think it was well-made and they did their very best, too tug at your heart-strings.

The only other movie or show, that would ever come close or even tie, is the show "The Waltons".

I have also watched this show, since day one and also their original "Homecoming" movie.

The original "Where The Red Fern Grows" and "The Waltons", have family values and morals and faith, that nothing is impossible, if you work hard and just believe.

After watching this movie, as a young child, I became so much more of an animal lover. I will forever have the deepest respect and admiration for this movie.

I very much look forward too the 50th. anniversary of "Where The Red Fern Grows". I will certainly buy the DVD.

It would really be nice to have a special screening of the movie in our local theaters. It would be lovely to see it on the big screen, all over again.

I will keep my fingers crossed, that it will happen. I just know it would make so many die-hard fans very happy and attract a whole new generation of admirers of this beloved movie.

Where the red fern grows is the best movie ever, and i think its enjoyable for anyone. It was always my favorite movie when i was growing up and always will be. I don't understand how anyone couldn't like it and if you don't then screw you :)Billy lives on a farm. He wants two good coon hounds very badly, but his Papa cannot afford any. Billy works hard, selling fruit and bait to fishermen, so eventually he has enough money for the dogs. I think it also shows how much times have changed, because back in the day they worked for what they wanted and now its nothing like that and most people get things handed to them and never work a day in there life.

I take issue with the one negative review on this site. Some people might just be mad that they did not have a great life like that young boy...

This film showed a young boy taking responsibility in life to earn something instead of expecting it to be handed to him. That's something that many grown-ups today don't even do. As a high school student who watches a lot of movies, I haven't seen many films that show a kid working hard for what he's got and being happy with what he has. These values are missing today and this is movie is a refreshing change from what I'm used to seeing. It is a great movie!

What's more wholesome than a boy and his dog? How about a boy and his two dogs.

I vaguely remember reading "Where the Red Fern Grows" in elementary and I thought I'd watch the movie as a refresher. It is a virtuous movie about a boy named Billy and his love for his raccoon hunting dogs that he worked so hard to purchase.

It was an adorable movie if nothing else. Not terribly memorable and not terribly dramatic. Safe and adorable.

I remembered this movie from when I was a girl. Cried now just like I did then. This is a good, wholesome, family movie.

While this movie (in my opinion) is touching in the way that any young child has to learn the ways of life the hard way - working hard to earn his/her wants, I think the acting of Billy in the movie was very dry and it was hard to really become interested in the character. It's an older movie that has something to relate to, so I believe that this is the perfect film for a younger person to watch. It gives you the mindset of the simplicity of the way things were way back when, and for a short amount of time you're forced to question the morality of the family in the film. I think most of the acting in this movie was very dry; especially after the tragic (spoiler) death of Billy's hound dogs. I was expecting the parents to have sympathy, but they were more interested in heading back inside, so I felt like it should have had a different outcome.

While this movie (in my opinion) is touching in the way that any young child has to learn the ways of life the hard way - working hard to earn his/her wants, I think the acting of Billy in the movie was very dry and it was hard to really become interested in the character. It's an older movie that has something to relate to, so I believe that this is the perfect film for a younger person to watch. It gives you the mindset of the simplicity of the way things were way back when, and for a short amount of time you're forced to question the morality of the family in the film. I think most of the acting in this movie was very dry; especially after the tragic (spoiler) death of Billy's hound dogs. I was expecting the parents to have sympathy, but they were more interested in heading back inside, so I felt like it should have had a different outcome.

I thought that this was a good film in the time period that it was made and the story was great also, it was a nice family film and the acting was okay but the actors sometimes were not convincing like when the dogs died.The movie was not like other movies that require special effects and action while this movie relied on story and the relationship between the boy and the dogs.The film's story was sad in some parts especially when Dan was killed by the cougar during the hunting competition,another sad part was when Anne died of heartbreak after Dan died.The movie inspired me because the kid worked hard for money to purchase the dogs and billy also bought things for his parents and his sisters.

this movie was very old when my students and i watched it in the fourth grade after reading the novel. The first few minutes go really slow and then about thirty minutes in the movie it starts to get really great. I believe the only thing wrong was that some of the acting was poor. I give this movie a **-out of-*** !!!

In the movie Where the Red Fern Grows a young boy named Billy goes on an adventure with nothing but determination and the hope God will met him half way in his journey to get two hunting dogs. Along his journey he meets a few people who antagonize him along the way and a few moral dilemmas. I enjoyed it for the most part I don't usually get too into older movies before my era such as this one my generation is pretty spoiled with our pointless easy access to everything killing most of if not all imagination. This movie was a emotional journey following the life of this young boy who's goals are set achieved and destroyed in the end you can really feel for his character with his dogs dying if you've ever owned a pet who's passed away or been put down I feel like the acting could have been a little better but for a child actor he was stupendous I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't even have a southern accent in really life. I'd watch this movie once but the end was a little anticlimactic I feel it could have had more emotion. As a child I'd probably have eaten this movie up and wish I could have enjoyed it then rather then so much later.

This movie was very great. Anyone who gives this film a bad review is clearly In-educated and has no taste in good films what so ever. Tthe movie has a classic storyline of a young boy who dreams of being a coon hunter. He works and saves money to buy his own hounds and also buys something for each of his family members.The ending however is very sad, one dog is attacked by a cougar and killed and the other is so sad that it eventually dies. instant tear jerker for sure. the acting is a little dry but for the times its acceptable. the storyline is a little shallow at times but it is a kid's movie for crying out loud. the storyline also stays true to the book.

I don't know how I missed seeing (or even reading) Where the Red Fern Grows as a kid, but watching it as an adult for the first time was an interesting experience. This is a dated, but well-made family drama. It's a simple story that takes its time and does its best to make sure the children that watch it are emotionally wrecked. Strangely enough, though, I didn't cry. I just want a dog now.

Now here's a book that has never really gotten grand movie treatment. Maybe it's the fact that the book has so many elements to it that are hard to portray in movie form, such as heavy characterization and animal thoughts/beliefs, but it just seems that all the movies fall a little short.

This movie version is clearly the best of a mediocre bunch, however. The casting is about as well done as could be expected. Stewart Peterson, in the first and perhaps the best role of his short career, is perfect as Billy. I also liked Jack Ging's portrayal of Billy's father.

On the flip side, Beverly Garland, a heavily experienced actress at the time this movie was filmed, was horrible as Billy's mother. In the book, Billy is a borderline "mama's boy". His mother is written as overly-affectionate, constantly hugging and kissing him, much to his chagrin. In the movie, however, she spends nearly every scene chasing him with mops and threatening to whip him when he wants to finish cutting the tree down! To be honest, I question whether Garland had read the book, because she basically replayed her TV show "cowboy's wife" characters in the movie.

A lot of the gorier sections of the book are cut down. It's hard for kids nowadays to think that a book could be more gruesome than a movie, but that is clearly the case here. The ax scene, in particular, is almost comically chopped down, no pun intended. The ending, however, is nearly as gut-wrenching in the movie as the book. Whenever I teach this book to 7th/8th graders, it's neck-and-neck for which draws more tears.

From an artistic standpoint, some of the 70's film-making peculiarities are interesting, such as the fact that most of Billy's "night-time" scenes take place in broad daylight, even while Billy carries around a lit lantern! Overall, it's a passable movie and does follow the book quite closely. For teachers such as myself, there is no other option. The 90's version is an absolute mess, and this movie has enough nostalgic charm to keep its datedness in check. In other words, you won't feel guilty showing it to students!

I first saw this movie in 4th grade after my teacher had read us the book. It's about a hillbilly boy who buys two hunting dogs and names them Old Dan and Little Ann. SPOILER ALERT What I didn't like about this movie is that the dogs die at the end. Old Dan dies because he gets attacked by a mountain lion and Little Ann dies of starvation because she refuses to eat because she misses Old Dan so much. Other than that, Wilson Rawls wrote a good story.