Where the Red Fern Grows1974Where the Red Fern Grows
1974
In the Oklahoma Ozarks during the Depression, young Billy Coleman works and saves for two long years to buy a pair of coonhound pups. With his grandfather's encouragement, he trains Old Dan and Little Ann into the finest hunting team in the hills, and learns about loyalty, grief, and hope.
For children old enough to talk it through: sustained intensity, or language or sexual content that Common Sense Media rates 7–9.
Why it’s here
A boy works two years for his hounds and learns from his grandfather, his family, and from loss. Faithful dogs, a loving home, and grief that bears fruit in hope.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
A boy dies falling on an axe during a fight, and both of Billy's dogs die (one after a mountain lion attack). The bully's death comes out of his own cruelty, and grief is handled honestly; raccoon hunting.
Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- What did Billy do to earn his dogs?
- What did his grandfather teach him?
- Why do you think the red fern grew where it did?
- Which moment stuck with you most?
Content advisory
Common Sense Media 9+: a boy's fatal fall onto an axe; a dog dies after a mountain lion attack; raccoon hunting.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)
DVD · December 6, 2016
Edition link coming soon.
Listing on Blu-ray.com (opens in a new tab)Coming later
Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.