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sprootles
Reviews
Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
A beautiful story and must see for dog lovers...or anyone!
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.