The Yearling

Based on the young adult classic by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, this 1946 family drama stars Gregory Peck as Mr. Baxter, a poor farmer who lives with his wife (Jane Wyman), and son Jody (Claude Jarman, Jr.) in southern Florida. When Mr. Baxter is bitten by a rattler, he kills a doe, and uses the entrails to draw the poison out, leaving behind an orphaned yearling, which is taken in by his son. The idyllic bond between boy and deer is ruptured, however, when the yearling repeatedly eats the crops which the poor family needs so desperately to survive. Told that he must kill the deer, but unable to do so, Jody sets the animal free, but it returns, setting into motion a tragic chain of events. A heart-wrenching, powerful tale, The Yearling earned young Jarman a special Oscar for his unforgettable performance as the boy, as well as nominations for Best Picture, Director, Actor (Peck), and Actress (Wyman). In 1983, the "story" behind the story was told in the biographical film about Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Cross Creek. Warner has done an excellent job on the DVD transfer: the picture is remarkably sharp and full of solid contrasts, while the Dolby Digital mono soundtrack is serviceable. Extras include the 1946 Oscar-winning animated Tom and Jerry short "The Cat Concerto," and the shamelessly misnamed "Jody's World Interactive Adventure"--a feature that suggests much more than what it actually is: five text screens that would be more honestly called "Production Notes." That little quibble aside, this is highly recommended. (R. Pitman)