Good-bye, My Lady (1956)

William Wellman directed this poignant tale of a young boy named Skeeter (Brandon De Wilde), his uncle Jesse Jackson (Walter Brennan), and the dog that brings joy into their lives. Skeeter is an orphan who lives with Jesse in the Pascagula Swamp in Mississippi, where lumber companies harvest cypress trees. One day Skeeter stumbles on an irreverent pooch that laughs instead of barks. The dog is also able to pick up scents at remarkable distances and cleans itself in a feline fashion. Things take an unexpected turn when Uncle Jesse agrees to allow Skeeter, who hopes to teach her to be a hunter, to keep her. Both De Wilde and Brennan give unsentimental, genuine performances. The understated story is well supported by beautiful black-and-white photography and an acoustic-guitar score, making GOODBYE, MY LADY a terrific family film.