A Dog of Flanders (1959)

Director:

James B. Clark

Writers:

Ouida (story), Ted Sherdeman

Stars:

David Ladd, Donald Crisp, Theodore Bikel

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Ladd	...	Nello Daas
Donald Crisp	...	Jehan Daas
Theodore Bikel	...	Piet van Gelder
Max Croiset	...	Mr. Cogez, the Miller
Monique Ahrens	...	Corrie
Siobhan Taylor	...	Alois (as Siohban Taylor)
Gijsbert Tersteeg	...	(as Gijsb Tersteeg)
John Soer	...	The Peddler
Katherine Holland	...	Ilse Cogez
Lo van Hensbergen	...	The Priest
Hans Tiemeyer
Maxim Hamel
John De Freese
Matthieu van Eysden	...	(as Mathieu van Eysden)
Katja Berndsen

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

dog actor | stray dog | animal in title | victorian era | orphan boy | 

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Taglines:

The love and friendship of a boy and his dog.

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 March 1959 (USA)

Also Known As:

Doce Aurora da Vida

Filming Locations:

Cathedral of our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

There are several Lassie connections in this film. The dog trainer on this movie is Frank Weatherwax, the brother of Lassie's trainer, Rudd Weatherwax. Donald Crisp,who plays David Ladd's grandfather here, played the father in "Lassie Come Home" (1942)and had roles in three "Lassie" movies. Crisp was also James Brown, the kirk yard keeper, in Disney's Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog (1961).

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Goofs

The scene when Nello is walking the little girl back to her house after bringing the dog home: The camera is in front of them as they walk, and you can see the tire tracks of the camera as it stays in front of them.

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Connections

Version of The Dog of Flanders (1997)

User Reviews

" Here, is a canvas, paint brush and some colored oils, now go and destroy yourself "

On May 30th, 1640, the great Flemish Painter, Peter Paul Rubens, died leaving a plethora of great works. It is among these masterpieces, The Raising of the Cross, which became the foundation of perhaps one of the most beloved Hollywood films of all time. The movie is called " A Dog of Flanders " and is directed by James B. Clark. " It tells the story of a young boy named Nello Dass (David Ladd) who with his grandfather, Jehan (Donald Crisp) reside in the city of Antwerp and make a modest living delivering milk. Nello does his best to aid his aging, ailing grandfather, who plans of sending the boy to sea or have him become an apprentice miller. Nello on the other hand dreams of one day becoming a great artist like Rubens. Unfortunately, their poverty prevents their ambitions. Instead,during their delivery rounds, they discover a badly abused cart dog lying in a ditch. With care and compassion they nurse the dog back to health and with the new name Patrasche, becomes part of the impoverished family. However, several obstacles confront Nello, namely, his grandfather's sudden death and the cruel former owner of the dog returns to claim him. Theodore Bikel plays Piet van Gelder, is the gruffy painter who befriends the boy and does a remarkable job of adding sympathetic cohesion to this story. With a touch of humanity, love and endearment, the audience is allowed a moment to believe that a single act of kindness can bring tears and inner joy. Easily Recommended to all. ****