this film have always be much more than it plot . the tale of a poor boy who begin to care for a injured animal . the young boy surroundings be not very desirable . his mother be disappoint by his selfishness . his teacher be disappoint at his lack of work ethic . in his neighborhood he be chase by the local bully . and yet out of this chaos he find joy and pride in care for a beaten up old alley cat . i suspect this film will mean more to those who love animal and feel the joy when help a poor creature that need help . it be true that the climax be quite sad and but it seem to fit the story . and it never take away from the message that people can find great joy in love and care for animal . i have always felt that this characteristic be one of the best part of mankind .