Rating: PG
Genre:
Children's/Family
Release Date: 12/21/2004
Sound: DD5.1
Run Time: 86 Minutes
Flags: Excellent For Children
Distributor/Studio: Walt Disney Video
Based on the 1961 children's novel by
Wilson Rawls,
Where the Red Fern Grows is a
family-oriented
drama four years in the making. This project is co-directed by
Lyman Dayton, who also adapted the screenplay and produced the 1974 filmed version. The story involves 12-year-old
Billy Coleman (
Joseph Ashton), who lives in the Ozark mountains with his mother,
Jenny (
Renee Faia), and father,
Will (
Dave Matthews of the
Dave Matthews Band).
Billy's grandfather (
Dabney Coleman) encourages him to save money to buy a hunting dog. For two years,
Billy does odd jobs in order to save the money. When he finally gets enough, he buys two puppies and names them
Old Dan and
Little Ann.
Billy eventually trains them to become hunting dogs and enters the Fall Hunting Competition. Also starring
Kris Kristofferson and
Ned Beatty. Even though principal photography started in 1999,
Where the Red Fern Grows didn't premiere until the
2003 Tribeca Film Festival due to numerous production difficulties and law suits.
~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
