The Shaggy Dog (B+ or 3/4 stars)
1959's 'The Shaggy Dog' (directed by Charles Barton) has the distinction of being the very 1st live-action Disney family/fantasy film. The bare bones plot: Wilby Daniels (Tommy Kirk), the young son of dog-hating former mailman, Wilson Daniels (Fred MacMurray), accidentally becomes a canine himself when, while visiting a museum, he inadvertently invokes a magical spell engraved on a centuries-old ring. Wilby turns into a floppy-furred sheepdog at unpredictable times, only to later return to human form. As if this wasn't enough, he overhears a plot to steal secret government info while IN dog form ... leading to unforeseen adventures.
Perhaps most adults will find this children's farce to be only 'mildly amusing'. But I was obsessed with this movie when watching it s a child on VHS tape. Watching Wilby periodically change from teenager to talking sheepdog & back again was a real hoot. I love the cast. Best of all is Fred MacMurray, who gets a lot of laughs as the guy who gets the credit for exposing the spy ring which his son can't claim. The success of this film would spawn 5 other Walt Disney films for MacMurray to star in. Thanks to these movies, MacMurray was the highest paid actor in Hollywood for a spell.
I also enjoyed little Tommy Kirk. Jean Hagen - of Singin' in the Rain fame - is a delight as Mrs. Freeda Daniels. This film would be the debut of future star Annette Funicello. And James Westerfield amuses as the much put-upon patrol cop, Officer Hanson. One of the best parts of the film is when Wilby & The Shaggy Dog steal his cop car in pursuit of the baddies. The productions values are solid. The tone of the movie is genial. The laughs are aplenty. The special effects may seem archaic, but work well in context of the film. I just think back so fondly at this enjoyable family movie.
Perhaps most adults will find this children's farce to be only 'mildly amusing'. But I was obsessed with this movie when watching it s a child on VHS tape. Watching Wilby periodically change from teenager to talking sheepdog & back again was a real hoot. I love the cast. Best of all is Fred MacMurray, who gets a lot of laughs as the guy who gets the credit for exposing the spy ring which his son can't claim. The success of this film would spawn 5 other Walt Disney films for MacMurray to star in. Thanks to these movies, MacMurray was the highest paid actor in Hollywood for a spell.
I also enjoyed little Tommy Kirk. Jean Hagen - of Singin' in the Rain fame - is a delight as Mrs. Freeda Daniels. This film would be the debut of future star Annette Funicello. And James Westerfield amuses as the much put-upon patrol cop, Officer Hanson. One of the best parts of the film is when Wilby & The Shaggy Dog steal his cop car in pursuit of the baddies. The productions values are solid. The tone of the movie is genial. The laughs are aplenty. The special effects may seem archaic, but work well in context of the film. I just think back so fondly at this enjoyable family movie.