Dorothy McGuire and Fess Parker star in this drama directed by Robert Stevenson. In 1860s Texas, Jim Coates (Parker) leaves his wife Katie (McGuire) and sons Travis and Arliss (Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran) behind while he travels to Kansas to sell cattle. During his absence, a dog visits their homestead.

Travis is initially unimpressed with him and names him Old Yeller, but he soon proves his worth to the family and forms a profound bond with Travis.