Sunday, February 19, 2012

Classic Movie Dogathon: Greyfriars Bobby

In 1865, on Cauldbrae Farm, sheepherder Old Jock (Alex Mackenzie) travels to Edinburgh, since the family he works for can no longer afford to pay him. The family dog, a Skye Terrier named Bobby, has taken a liking to Old Jock, and the fiercely loyal canine follows the man for the 20-mile distance to Greyfriars Place. Old Jock, however, is an ailing man, and he succumbs to pneumonia. He’s buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, where Bobby evades the cranky caretaker, Mr. Brown (Donald Crisp), and sleeps atop Old Jock’s grave.

Before long, Bobby has his routine down: He spends his nights in the kirkyard, and his days in the city, some of the hours spent at a diner that Old Jock frequented. The restaurant owner, Mr. Traill (Laurence Naismith), a
lready acquainted with the terrier, feeds him each day – at Bobby’s own table. Bobby wins over everyone, from Mr. Traill to the city’s children and even Mr. Brown and his wife, who appreciate the terrier killing the rats in the kirkyard. It seems that everyone wants to claim Bobby as their own, but eventually it’s a matter of specifying ownership: the local authorities wish to identify an owner to pay an expensive licensing fee, or the stray dog will be taken away.

Greyfriars Bobby (1961), directed by Don Chaffey, is a Walt Disney film based on Eleanor Atkinson’s 1912 novel of the same name, from a true story about a dog in 19th-century Edinburgh who slept on his master’s grave for 14 years. Chaffey does a superb job of presenting Bobby as the film’s protagonist, keeping the camera at the dog’s level, particularly when no humans are around. Bobby is an adorable ball of fur, and there are endless shots of the dog sprinting across open land, a wonderful and delightful sight.

The movie is not as depressing as the plot might suggest. It’s an inspiring tale, not only of a dog’s loyalty and devotion, but also of the good which he instills into the people he surrounds. There’s a remarkable scene when the children, all of poor families, bring Bobby to Mr. Traill for a promised shilling
. The man first feeds Bobby, and the kids are unquestionably envious that a dog is eating stew made with real chicken. Mr. Traill takes the children to the kitchen, and they have what he calls a picnic, an act which sparks a genuine relationship between the diner owner and kids. Likewise, the barely restrained animosity between Mr. Traill and Mr. Brown progressively dissipates the more time they spend with Bobby.
Highlights of the film: Old Jock sneaking Bobby into a lodging house in a knapsack; Mr. Brown’s never-ending allusions to the kirkyard regulation of “No Dogs Permitted” (even picking up Bobby at one point so that the wee dog, presumably, can read it for himself); Mr. Traill’s obvious unhappiness at the family taking Bobby back to the farm; and Mr. Brown’s wife coaxing her husband, who doesn’t hide his aversion for the terrier, into giving Bobby a bath.

Bobby steals the film, but the performances from the humans are solid all around. Naismith is especially good, particularly his scene in which he makes an argument in court against any person being Bobby’s owner and refuses to pay the fee out of principle. It’s also a treat to watch two patrons of the diner, both of whom make snide
remarks about Bobby, being put in their place by Mr. Traill – including a veiled threat against a man who suggests striking the dog.

A kirkyard is not technically a graveyard, but a churchyard. This is why, in the movie, Old Jock’s former employer believes it “grand” that he’s buried there – it’s consecrated ground. (It’s chosen for the sheepherder because it’s the closest place for a proper burial.)
Crisp started in Hollywood as an actor and became a director during the silent era. He later returned to acting full time and had a successful career, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for How Green Was My Valley (1941). Naismith was a regular on the TV show, The Persuaders! with Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, and also had a small part in the 007 film, Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

Chaffey is perhaps best known for his fantasy films, including Jason and the Argonauts (1963, featuring Naismith as Argos, whose ship is the Argonauts’ namesake), One Million Years B.C. (1966) and Creatures the World Forgot (1971). He also directed episodes of notable TV series, such as The Prisoner (including the first episode), Danger Man (aka Secret Agent), The Avengers, Fantasy Island, Charlie’s Angels and T.J. Hooker.

Atkinsons book also provided the basis for the 1949 film, Challenge for Lassie. Interestingly, actor Crisp appears in the film as Jock, companion to Lassie, the Bobby substitute. Another adaptation was released in 2006 as The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby in this movie is a West Highland White Terrier, chosen in lieu of a Skye Terrier for purely visual reasons. Christopher Lee has a small but significant role in the film.

It’s very difficult not to associate a dog’s hanging tongue with a smile. When dogs are happy, the panting commences, and tongues invariably fall out. The canine hero of Greyfriars Bobby spends much of the film’s duration flashing his doggie smile, and it seems impossible not to smile along with him. Bobby is always by Old Jock’s side, despite not being the man’s dog, because as Mr. Traill says, “a dog chooses his own master.” Is the title of the movie a reference to everyone in the city as Bobby’s owners? It’s more likely that Bobby owns the city, from the people’s hearts to a monopoly on cuteness.

Click here to see the full schedule for the Classic Movie Dogathon.

23 comments:

  1. Sark, I loved your review--and my standards are very high in this case because GREYFRIARS BOBBY is my favorite live-action dog film. As you pointed out so eloquently, this poignant and amazingly true tale show how dogs enrich our lives with their love, loyalty, and companionship. I'm always touched by the scenes where we follow Bobby's daily routine and see how he influences the lives of so many. I agree that director Chaffey does a remarkable job of keeping Bobby as the protagonist (some "dog movies" focus too much on the humans!). Finally, I never considered your alternate meaning for the title--which, after pondering, is perfect for this delightful little movie. I'm often surprised by how few people have seen GREYFRAIRS BOBBY. Perhaps, some film buffs think it's a kid's film and avoid it. But I also know Disney fans who are unfamiliar with the British films the studio made in the 1950s and 1960s. So glad you chose this film (and did it justice).

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  2. I have not yet seen this heart- warming/breaking story. The cast sounds like they were perfect for this film and Bobby, is as cute as he can be..

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  3. WAIT! You didn't mention that this would be sad Rick.

    Not watching a lot of animal centric films I haven't seen this little gem either.

    I'm a big fan of 'British films' but the more recent ones from the 70's going forward so Greyfrairs slipped through the cracks.

    That is one adorable dog and it really is sad knowing it's based on a true story. Talk about a beloved dog missing it's master.

    I'd like to see this film so hopefully it's available somewhere.

    Your reviews are always a treat Rick and this one was the perfect choice for the Dogathon.

    Oh, and in case I forget, Thanks for inviting us all to participate in this fun little Blogathon. A very clever idea but don't go planning a Catathon or Camelathon next. I'm a bit scared.
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  4. "It’s very difficult not to associate a dog’s hanging tongue with a smile. When dogs are happy, the panting commences, and tongues invariably fall out." Too true! Lovely stuff in a lovely post which I'm sure thrilled everyone who loves our canine friends as much as it thrilled me.

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  5. I can recall my father often telling us the story of “Greyfriars Bobby” and the statue that stands in the village. This story stayed with me as I grew older, and despite Disney’s reputation for making excellent family films; I never watched this film. Your lovely review of a bittersweet and heartwarming story has inspired me to seek out both versions (I found the 2006 version through my library and put it on hold). I especially enjoyed how you described Bobby as a character in the film and not simply a canine; his “doggie smile” sounds irresistible.

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  6. Oops! A quick apology to Sark...Going in I knew this was your review. Sorry for the confusion in my comment.
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  7. Aye, Sark, ye have indeed done justice to this wee film! How I love "Greyfriars Bobby" and its sweet story of loyalty encaptured in the heart of a precious terrier. I have shown this film many times to friends and family. It is a favorite and I am delighted that someone who loves dogs chose to share it with all of us at the Cafe. If you haven't yet experienced this remarkable movie, sit, stay, and enjoy. Bring your own biscuits!

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  8. Sark,

    I've never seen this film but now I want to! Despite your claiming it is not as depressing as one might think, I found myself getting misty-eyed just reading your description of the film. There IS something about those wagging-tongued smiles.

    Lovely.

    Aurora

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  9. What a pleasant surprise to find an in-depth review of my favorite movie about dogs. When I visited Edinburgh a few years back, I made a point to see Bobby's grave and the monument to him. It's such an amazing story.

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  10. Wonderful review of a favorite of mine, Sark. I had to laugh when you said "the local authorities wish to identify an owner to pay an expensive licensing fee, or the stray dog will be taken away." Boy, things never change do they? The bureaucrats were just as greedy in the 1800's. Bobby was adorable, and you are quite right -- the cast is just wonderful. I was interested in your information about Don Chaffey. I had no idea he was a director -- I just always liked him in movie roles, especially Jason and the Argonauts. Good job, Sark!

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  11. This one has escaped me too, but I'll definitely need to catch it sometime soon. Reminds me a little of the also true story of Hachiko, the Japanese Akita who waited for his long-deceased master at the train station daily for a decade.

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  12. Oh, this was such a favorite of mine - so much fun to see it reviewed in such depth. This was also my very first encounter with Donald Crisp, who subsequently popped up in every decade of film as I began my journey through cinema!

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  13. This sounds like a really cute film, Sark. It somewhat reminds me of Hachi: a Dog's Tale, but thankfully it doesn't sound nearly as depressing--oh, the sobs!

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  14. I, too, must admit to never having seen GREYFRIARS BOBBY. Maybe I just thought it would be too sad for weepy old me. But I am adding it to my list of Must See films for this year.

    Thanks for reviewing it so wonderfully. You've really piqued my interest.

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  15. Oops. I've just been reminded by Rick that the review of COURAGE OF LASSIE was written by Toto. I'm sorry for my unobservant flub.

    I'm easily confused. It's the age thing, you know. :)

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  16. Interesting because I thought I've seen all of the old Disney animal movies but somehow this one has escaped me. It's funny because when I first started reading your review, I though it reminded me of a story I read about a similar dog in Edinburgh and sure enough, the movie is based on that same story. It also reminds me of my old neighborhood growing up, there used to be this old hound dog named Rocky that would make his rounds every single morning, stopping at each house in the neighborhood to visit everyone, always right on schedule every single day. Of course it was a pretty sad when one day at around 3 o'clock when he usually stopped by our house after school to play with my brother and I, and he didn't show up... :(

    Oh man, not sure I can watch this movie now, too many people cutting onions...

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  17. Sark, your review of GREYFRIARS BOBBY really touched my heart -- darn it, I'm getting all teary-eyed now! I'm reminded of when I was younger and we had faithful dogs we loved dearly. Alas, our family has developed serious allergies over the years. Even if we didn't, money's too tight here to give a dog the kind of care it deserves. Anyway, Sark, your review is terrific. Through yours and the other blog posts here, at least we can live vicariously through adorable Bobby and the other memorable dogs in the Dogathon! :-)

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  18. I can't believe I haven't seen this on yet, considering my love of Disney, so it goes on the list. Thanks for a great review.

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  19. We haven't seen this either! But it sounds like a fascinating story. We're also adding it to our list for this year...

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  20. I haven't seen this film, but it is added to the list. As long as it has a happy ending, I'm all for it.

    Excellent essay.

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  21. (Head Admin Jason): I have to admit, this is one of the few Disney classics I have not had the chance to watch yet, but this wonderful review has done a great job of making me want to see it finally that much more. A+ review!

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  22. Ah, the happy tears at the very thought of "Greyfriars Bobby". Lovely article on a lovely movie. Man's best friend, indeed.

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  23. I haven't seen this one, either, but I must! How have I missed this one over the years? And HOW CUTE IS THAT DOG???

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