Where the Red Fern Grows

Name: Where the Red Fern Grows
Genre: Drama, Family
Released: 1974

GUnited States rating19741h 37mDrama, Family

A young boy works very hard and saves his money for a long time to earn two coonhound puppies. He spends many months training the dogs and learning about the outdoors in the Ozarks. The story follows the deep bond between the boy and his loyal pets as they face many challenges together.

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Official

G US

Our age guide

10+

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Spoiler-free summary written by AI from the plot and dialogue.

What's in it

Scary: Some
Violence: Some
Language: None
Rude humour: None
Sad themes: Intense
Pace: Calm; The film features long lingering shots and a slow deliberate pace typical of classic period dramas. Estimated

Scary moments

Approx.ScaryBilly encounters a snarling cougar while traveling at night and uses a fire to scare it away.
Approx.ScaryA physical fight breaks out between boys, resulting in a tragic accident involving a hatchet.
Approx.IntenseA cougar attacks the dogs and Billy, leading to a fight where one dog is mortally injured.

Talk about it after

1Why did Billy work so hard and wait so long before he finally got his dogs?
2How did the bond between Billy and his dogs change the way he felt about his life?
3How did Billy show courage when he had to make difficult choices during his adventures?