Title: Where the Red Fern Grows
Year: 1974
Actors : Dabney Coleman, Dave Matthews
Plot: Where the Red Fern Grows is a great book about the adventurous story a young boy and his dream for his own red-bone hound hunting dogs. Set in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression, Billy Coleman works hard and saves his earnings for 2 years to achieve his dream of buying two coonhound pups. He develops a new trust in God as he faces overwhelming challenges in adventure and tragedy roaming the river bottoms of Cherokee country with Old Dan and Little Ann.The story follows the inseparable trio as they romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to tree the elusive Ghost raccoon. Their efforts prove victorious as they win the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, capture wily ghost coons and bravely fight a mountain lion. Through these adventures Billy realizes the meaning of true friendship, loyalty, and more.
Title: Where the Red Fern Grows: Part Two
Year: 1992
Actors : Wilford Brimley, Doug McKeon, Chad McQueen, Lisa Whelchel, Adam Faraizl
Plot: Where The Red Fern Grows II is a continuation of the classic novel, a story as magical as the original. The haunting richness of the Louisiana woods, the innocent joy we find in Old Dan and Little Ann, and the loving wisdom of Grandpa Coleman combine to touch the hearts of young and old alike. In Red Fern II, Billy Coleman (Doug McKeon) returns from WWII to his grandfather's (Wilford Brimley) home in Louisiana and tries to readjust to civilian life. But the killing he witnessed in the war, along with the fact that he has lost a leg to an enemy bullet, has embittered him. Grandpa had anticipated Billy's state of mind and has a therapeutic gift waiting for him: a pair of Redbone hound puppies - just like the ones he had as a boy. In addition to the puppies, Billy befriends a young neighborhood boy, Wilson (Adam Frazil), who reminds him of himself. Wilson and the hounds become closest friends and together they help Billy to rediscover the gift of giving - ultimately rediscovering himself.