Old Yeller has become such a pop culture cliche that it's almost impossible to watch the movie today with a straight face.

Right off the bat, a group of "old timey" singers croons a soulful tune about a mangy dog, invoking laughter. Then the tale of Old Yeller is laid out for us: He's a dog befriended by a young teenager (Tommy Kirk), and together they get into all sorts of trouble -- namely tormenting every animal in the area. But has no one in this 1860s log cabin been paying attention to the constant -- constant -- warnings of hydrophobia (aka rabies)!? Well, in 84 minutes we'll find out what taunting wild hogs'll get ya!

Old Yeller, to be sure, exemplifies Americana. It's one of Disney's best-known live action films, and the dog movie/TV show craze all started here. But I don't know how applicable the movie's lessons are today, and the prospect of shooting your pet is tough for adults to handle, let alone children. It's also remarkably violent for a G-rated film.

Which leaves a bit of a predicament. Young kids will be afraid. Older ones will be bored and jaded. Maybe Yeller is a pet film for adults only?

Too bad. After all, he's rabid.