I was catching up a little today with yesterday's paper, and I saw Tommy Kirk in the birthdays, turning 72. Of course it reminded me that I am getting older myself (late 40s), but I will always think of Tommy Kirk as a teenager, primarily from "Old Yeller" but also from "The gy Dog" and other Disney live-action classics (even some with Annette and on the MMC). And, of course, Kevin Corcoran will always be his younger brother.
I personally think that they lived in a charmed time in some ways. I know that other things happened that weren't so great, but it must have been fun and a special memory to be on the Disney lot at that time. They even knew Walt Disney himself.
And I really liked the Disney live action films from that time period. Some timeless classics there. I actually think that "Old Yeller" ranks right up there with "Mary Poppins" as timeless. We loved the family, cared for the dog, and felt for Travis (Kirk) when he had to make a big decision about his dog.
Anyway, just made me think about those movies... and how much heart and soul and clean fun they put into them.
Are there other live-action Disney classic movies that made an impression on you? Or characters who will be forever young for you?
(And by the way, for the younger generations, it might also be telling that Rider Strong -- "Boy Meets World" -- turned 34 today. Another person who for many will forever be identified with his teen role.)
