n the late 1860s on a ranch in Texas, a big, yellow mongrel dog befriends the Coates family, and in particular the two boys, Travis and Arliss. He proves his loyalty by saving Arliss from a huge bear, Travis from wild pigs, and Mrs. Coates from a wolf infected with hydrophobia. Though Travis shoots the wolf, he must soon after shoot the dog, Old Yeller, who has contracted the dreaded disease. Travis is inconsolable until he accepts one of Old Yeller's puppies as his own because of its uncanny resemblance to Old Yeller. Directed by Robert Stevenson. 84 min. Based on the well-known book by Fred Gipson, the film grossed over $8 million in its initial release and has proved a perennial Disney favorite. The dog who played Old Yeller was named Spike. The title song was written by Gil George and Oliver Wallace. A program on the Disneyland TV series, "The Best Doggoned Dog in the World," aired shortly before the film's release to promote the film. "Old Yeller" was reissued in 1965 and 1974. Released on video in 1981 and 1992.