K-9 (1989)

To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec.

Director:

Rod Daniel

Writers:

Steven Siegel, Scott Myers

Stars:

Jim Belushi, Mel Harris, Kevin Tighe

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Belushi	...	Dooley (as James Belushi)
Mel Harris	...	Tracy
Kevin Tighe	...	Lyman
Ed O'Neill	...	Brannigan
Rando	...	Jerry Lee
James Handy	...	Byers
Daniel Davis	...	Halstead
Cotter Smith	...	Gilliam
John Snyder	...	Freddie
Pruitt Taylor Vince	...	Benny the Mule
Sherman Howard	...	Dillon
Jeff Allin	...	Chad
David Haskell	...	Doctor
Alan Blumenfeld	...	Rental Salesman
William Sadler	...	Salesman Don (as Bill Sadler)

Storyline

The extravagant cop Michael Dooley needs some help to fight a drug dealer who has tried to kill him. A "friend" gives him a drug-sniffing dog named Jerry Lee. With his help, Dooley sets out to put his enemy behind bars, but Jerry Lee has a personality of his own and works only when he wants to. On the other hand, the dog is quite good at destroying Dooley's car, house, sex-life, etc.

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Plot Keywords:

german shepherd dog | buddy cop | dog | partner | police dog | 

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Taglines:

Meet the two toughest cops in town.

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jerry Lee was played by Rando, a 3-year-old German Shepherd from West Germany. A year-long search was held to find the right dog for the role. Over 40 dogs were considered but none of the American German Shepherds were deemed suitable. Rando trained for 3 months with Karl Lewis Miller and learned to understand commands in English.

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Goofs

In the last scene when Dooley is driving to Las Vegas, the reflection of the crew and camera can be seen in his sunglasses.

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Quotes

Dooley: [Dooley resolves a hostage situation by driving into it with his new car] Narcotics? Party of 12?

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Crazy Credits

Jerry Lee is played by Rando, not Jerry Lee, as credited at the end.

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Alternate Versions

The UK theatrical version was cut by 21 secs to secure a "12" rating and removed descriptions of a "Colombian Necktie". The 15 rated video version was uncut and the 12 rated DVD is also intact.

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Connections

Referenced in Serial Mom (1994)

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Soundtracks

Car Wash
Written by Norman Whitfield
Performed by Rose Royce
Courtesy of MCA Records

User Reviews

The funniest Cop/Dog comedy yet

James Belushi is the cop, Dewley, who seems to have spent most of his time chasing after the same guy, the drug lord Lyman played Kevin Tighe. And is then finally forced to get a partner in the shape of Jerry Lee the German Shepard dog. They have a very comedic relationship quite like that of Turner and Hooch.

Things take a dangerous turn for Dewley and Jerry Lee when Dewley's girlfriend Tracey, played by Mel Harris, is taken hostage by Lyman. A tragic outcome that turns out great in the end, and even Jerry Lee gets to have a girlfriend.

Great acting by James Belushi, Mel Harris and Jerry Lee. A score of 7 out of 10.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 April 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

K-9

Filming Locations:

2608 National Ave, San Diego, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$17,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,471,035, 30 April 1989

Gross USA:

$43,247,647

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$78,247,647

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gordon Company, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1