The Yearling

The story is just awful; like Old Yeller with none of the emotional impact. The plot just kind of meanders, developing little connection between the boy and his deer until the incredibly predictable ending (and they even manage to mess that up). Claude Jarman Jr. has to be one of the most annoying, grating child actors I have ever seen; he might even be worse than the script. Wyman does her best but ultimately feels miscast. Peck is the only thing worth watching, but I wouldn't waste my time.

a real tear jerker when is was a kid

Classic.

Doubt the moral value of hardship would have been received as well had this been released for the current generation. But because of the hard times this throws at us for these nice hard working people, that is why this becomes as powerful as it was. Clearly a deliberate tearjerker, while trying to keep attitudes positive, showing us what we used to associate with American values. Purely a romancing piece of Americana, but a fine one at that.