i too catch this one on american movie classic and i have to say it a modest little movie that do a lot of thing right . the moment we hear of a movie about a boy and a dog and we expect a surfeit of sentimentality and a la old yeller . this movie be rather understated and right down to be in black and white and have a single acoustic guitar do the background music . the movie do not opt for the cheap happy end it might have and but give u something sadder and more real . by do so it make for a much rich movie . this fine little film isn not go to be on anyone ten great movie list and but it worth a see .