Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Donald Crisp | ... | James Brown | |
Laurence Naismith | ... | Mr. Traill | |
Alex Mackenzie | ... | Auld Jock | |
Duncan Macrae | ... | Sgt. Davie Maclean | |
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Andrew Cruickshank | ... | Lord Provost |
Gordon Jackson | ... | Farmer | |
Rosalie Crutchley | ... | Farmer's wife | |
Freda Jackson | ... | Old woman caretaker | |
Moultrie Kelsall | ... | Magistrate | |
Joyce Carey | ... | First Lady | |
Vincent Winter | ... | Tammy | |
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Jameson Clark | ... | Constable (as Jameson Clarke) |
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Jack Lambert | ... | Doctor |
Bruce Seton | ... | Prosecutor | |
Joan Juliet Buck | ... | Ailie (as Joan Buck) |
Scotland, 1865. An old shepherd and his little Skye Terrier Bobby go to Edinburgh. But when the shepherd dies of pneumonia, the dog remains faithful to his master, refuses to be adopted by anyone, and takes to sleeping on his master's grave in the Greyfriars Kirkyard, despite a caretaker with a "no dogs" rule. And when Bobby is taken up for being unlicensed, it's up to the children of Edinburgh and the Lord Provost to decide what's to be done. Written by Kathy Li
"Greyfriars Bobby" is a Disney live action film that is based on the real life dog, Bobby...who was a very odd dog to say the least! Like the beloved Japanese dog, Hachiko, Bobby's owner died and the dog refused to get on with its life...choosing instead to spend it's days at his master's grave. In fact, following the mans' death, the dog continued this routine for 14 years!! Talk about tenacious...and maladjusted! Regardless, it makes a dandy and very sentimental film, one which is best watched with a box of tissues nearby!
So what did I like about the film? Well, most everything. The cinematography was unusually good for a Disney movie--really gorgeous and artistic. Also, having two distinguished British actors in the lead, Donald Crisp and Laurence Naismith, sure helped.
A few things to note: First, if you visit Edinburgh you can see the sites in the movie. In fact, you can not only visit the pub and cemetery but you can also see the monument marking the grave of Bobby...just outside the church (kirk) gate. Second, the adorable dog which plays Bobby is said to be a Skye Terrier but looks nothing like a modern Skye Terrier. This is because nutty dog breeders have done a lot to change the look of MOST breeds in recent years. If you went to a dog show in the mid-1800s, you'd have a hard time recognizing most of the breeds. There has been that much manipulation of the genes in recent years that you'd barely recognize them.