Where the Red Fern Grows (1974) - 5 stars out of 10

Where the Red Fern Grows (1974) - 5 stars out of 10

“Where the Red Fern Grows” is so… seventies.  The story is a classic, but the 70’s music montages are a little much.  This is definitely a great G-rated telling of this story to show to middle schoolers who have just completed their reading assignment.  It is heartwarming, the dogs are cute, and will have you guessing until the very end if it has been years since reading the book.  Unfortunately, the acting quality is lacking and it is reminiscent of a 1950’s sitcom.  If you don’t know this story, I highly recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie but this film version makes a good addendum to the impressive literary work.

P.S. The ending will have you in tears and earned this film an extra star.