Where the Red Fern Grows is, quite simply, a wonderful story for all ages and for all time. A boy's yearning for two Redbone Hound dogs, which his parents can't afford during the desolate times of the Depression in the Ozarks, is the setting for this truly triumphant film. Billy's grandfather (James Whitmore) promises the lad that God will meet him halfway if he believes in himself and his beloved dogs. Billy faces adventure, suspense, tragedy and ultimately, a love and loyalty of family and friendship to realize his dream. The outcome makes for the kind of heartwarming story the great family films are all about. - 1930s Ozarks boy buys two raccoon hounds.