Still Safe At Home….With Man’s Best Friend At the Movies August 2020, Vol. I, No. 5 By Stephanie Mardesich
Still Safe At Home….With Man’s Best Friend At the Movies
By Stephanie Mardesich
August 26 is “National Dog Day” that celebrates “man’s best friend” from mixed breed to pedigreed pooches, so it’s timely to recall some famous dogs from the silver screen featured prominently or as “hero” of the story, from courageous Rin Tin Tin , loyal Lassie, charming “Asta” of the popular “Thin Man” series, and many more fanciful K9 characters.
Do dogs, like babies “steal the show” from the homo sapiens? Sometimes that’s what occurs or a way to market the movie. Take a look at film titles here, tune in, sit back, and start barking!
The Thin Man (USA, MGM, 1934, 91 min., dir. W.S. Van Dyke)
Featuring “Asta” (K9 actor “Skippy”) one of the silver screens most beloved K9 movie “stars” as the adjunct sleuth to ever charming detective Nick Charles (William Powell) and wife Nora (Myrna Loy). Based on Dashiell Hammet novel, with witty repartee, continuing cocktails, archetype underworld characters with humor and verve, the picture garnered well deserved four Academy Award® nominations including “Best” Picture, Director, Actor (Powell), writing adaptation. Curious that not all know who exactly is “the Thin Man”?
More importantly as esteemed film critic Andrew Sarris (with whom this writer was personally acquainted) wrote in 1998, the charismatic “Nick and Nora were the first on-screen Hollywood couple for whom matrimony did not signal the end of sex, romance and adventure.” After The Thin Man (first) sequel there’s a “Mrs. Asta” who adds to the matrimonial mood.
Five films featuring the sophisticated urbane “Nick & Nora” would follow over next 13 years, and Asta always special billing. In 1950s a brief run TV show starring Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk was nothing like the original premise Hammet penned, though the actors were attractive and a new “Asta” added to the mystery mayhem.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025878/awards?ref_=tt_awd
Call Of The Wild (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1935, 89 min. dir. William Wellman)
This first film adaptation of Jack London’s celebrated novel is the most romantic version with leading man Clark Gable (Jack Thornton) and co-star Loretta Young (Claire Blake). Down on his luck Thornton is on his way to stake a gold claim in Alaska’s Klondike rescues a sled dog who’s part wolf called Buck (“Buck the wonder dog”) from being shot by egotistical Englishman Mr. Smith (Reginald Owen). He connects with Shorty Hoolihan (Jack Oakie) who has illicitly acquired a map leading to a big gold strike. When Jack “rescues” damsel in distress Claire, he reconsiders his pursues the gold. treasure as love ensues. Excellent supporting cast also includes Sidney Tolar (Joe Groggins) best known for his portrayals of Charlie Chan, and glamorous beauty, Katherine DeMille (Marie), daughter of famed Cecil B. and one time wife of esteemed actor of Mexican heritage Anthony Quinn
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026164/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
Lassie Come Home (USA, MGM, 1943, 89 min., dir. Fred M. Wilcox)
The heart warming movie adapted from Eric Knight’s book about poor Yorkshire (England) family forced to sell their beloved collie named Lassie (Pal) is simply wonderful. Lassie escapes from her new owner and begins long trek from Scotland home to Yorkshire defying surviving death threatening obstacles. The film inspirited other versions and eventually two successful television series.
Outstanding cast includes young endearing Roddy McDowall (Joe Carraclough) and his gal with violet eyes, who became his lifetime friend and a major “star”, Elizabeth Taylor (Priscilla); also Dame May Whitty (Dally), Donald Crisp (Sam Carraclough), Nigel Bruce (Duke of Rudling), Edmund Gwen (Rowlie), and fans of TV Batman series will recognize Alan Napier (Jock), played butler Alfred), Academy Award® nod for Best Cinematography.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036098/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3
Old Yeller (USA, Walt Disney Productions, 1957, 83 min., G, dir. Robert Stevenson)
Adapted from book of same title by Fred Gipson recounts tale of a remote ranching family in 1860s when father Jim Coates (Fess Parker) is away on cattle run, leaving wife Katie (Dorothy McGuire) and sons Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss (Kevin Corcoran) to manage the ranch. When a staunch stray dog (Labrador/Retriever mix) arrives at the property at first not welcomed,then endears himself through acts of bravery. With his unique color and curious bark Travis calls him “Yeller” and becomes indelible part of the frontier family life and endearing character of Disney films.
In 2019, the film was selected for inclusion in the United States National Film Registry of the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050798/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
101 Dalmatians (USA, Walt Disney Productions, 1961, 79 min., dir. Clyde Geronimi & Hamilton Luske)
With usual exceptional animation from Disney the animated film features great screen “villainess” Cruella DeVil angling to get hold of the litter of Dalmatian puppies to add to her haberdashery as a coat. Madness and mayhem thoroughly entertaining. Studio made live action version in 1996 that’s good, however the original animation far more charming. Voices of Rod Taylor (Pongo) and Tom Conway (Quizmaster/Collie) add distinction, however it’s the artistry of animation by Disney that’s the real “star.”
Remade as live action film that isn’t half as good.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115433/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
All Dogs Go To Heaven (USA, MGM, 1989, 84 min. G, dir. Don Bluth)
Frequently seen on the telly the adroitly animated movie is always entertaining and uplifting.
German Shepard Charlie B. Barkin (Burt Reynolds) has a “shady past” and goes on the run from the pound in New Orleans with his buddy the energetic dingy dachshund Itchy (Dom DeLouise) to find co-hart Carface Malone (Vic Tayback) gambling casino partner in Las Vegas, who has a shifty deal in the works. Charlie ends up at the “Pearly Gates” before Whippet Angel (Melba Moore) then wends his way back to earth to rectify the situation, and with help of a little girl Anne Marie (Judith Barsi) who can speak to animals, finds out friendship is the real wealth of life.
Adding to the “vocal acting” line up is Reynolds wife, actress Loni Anderson (Flo).
lifehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096787/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Beethoven (USA, Universal Pictures, 1992, PG dir. Brian Levant)
Charles Grodin (George Newton) and Bonnie Hunt (Alice Newton) and their typical suburban loving family that includes loveable though ungainly St. Bernard Beethoven who becomes target of dog-napping veterinarian Dr. Varnick (Dean Jones) and his henchmen. Goofy antics ensue and the family pet stays safe at home!
Cast includes budding actors Stanley Tucci, David Duchovny, Oliver Platt and Patricia Heaton who have achieved significant career success.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103786/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_17
Not to leave out, more titles to consider: (no order)
Rin Tin Tin
With 27 films from c. 1926, too many “shorts” to list; so you’re on your own) except to state that the K9 fame of the German Shepherd who aided the U.S.A. Cavalry is indelved in our history particularly because of the popular TV show of the 1950s.and a Rin Tin Tin star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (1960).
Find out more at
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0863833/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046576/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1857m 93 min., dir. Frank Tashlin)
A satire of modern business world, the movie is not a “dog story” however many amusing moments with blond bombshell Jayne Mansfield (Rita Marlowe) and her standard poodle sporting coordinated colors to compliment her couture ensembles and even joining her in the bathtub. Stars Tony Randall as Rockwell P. Hunter, adapted from successful Broadway play. Strong supporting cast includes Betsy Drake (Jenny Wells) and Joan Blondell (Violet).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051196/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Legally Blonde (USA, 96 min. PG13, dir.Robert Luketic)
Adorable Chihuahua Bruiser whose corresponding outfits to the aspiring law student “Elle” (Reese Witherspoon) are simply “too cute”. The movie is always a laugh out loud tribute to perseverance, effect of coy “bend and snap” ; and sticking to principles, right will prevail!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0250494/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Benji (USA, Mulberry Square Productions,1974, 86 min., dir. Joe Camp)
Popular stray pooch Benjii, beloved by the town finds kidnapped children when parents and police fail in their search, and maybe a permanent home. Academy Award® nod for best music original song “I Feel Love”
(1974 original) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071206/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
(2018-remake) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1799516/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (USA, Walt Disney Pictures, 1993, 84 min. PG, dir. Duwayne Dunham)
Based on novel by Shiela Burnford the main pet characters have “human voices”: Chance (Michael J. Fox) , a naive young dog, Shadow (Don Ameche), older wiser pooch, and pretentious feline Sassy (Field) are left behind when the family goes on vacation. Feeling abandoned the animals set out on a dangerous journey across the USA to find their family. Cast also includes Robert Hays, Jean Smart. Great family film.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107131/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_42
More about….
National Dog Day https://www.nationaldogday.com/about1
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; accredited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)