The Shaggy Dog (1959)

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

After the opening titles, we see a view of 1950s suburb United States. Afterwards we see Wilson Daniels (Fred MacMurray) yelling at a dog to get off his lawn. A narrator tells us that Wilson loves his fellow man, but despises man's best friend the dog (mostly because he's a postman). But Wilson's oldest son Wilby Daniels (Tommy Kirk) inadvertently turns into a dog and has to uncover a group of spies who are planning to steal a missile. If that story line makes no sense, that's because it was written down. Trust me the story is a lot better when you watch the movie. Even though it may not make any sense when you read my review it will when you watch it. The acting is also good. MacMurray plays the average American everyman and does a really good job with it. When all these strange things happen to Wilson, he pretty much goes along with it. Most of the runtime is actually spent on Wilby, because he's the person that actually turns into the dog. So Wilby sees all these things that Wilson is pretty much oblivious too for the majority if the film. Even at the end when Wilson is being hailed as a hero he still doesn't really know what jut happened to him. The rest of the cast also turned in a great performance. I highly recommend this movie. It's available on DVD and VHS so if you can find a copy check it out.

I re-watched this film as I often do with my childhood favourites. I loved The Shaggy Dog as a child, and at 18 I still do. But I wasn't so taken with the spy subplot, thinking it went on for too long and took up too much time in the narrative. Also, the film feels a little too long.However, despite how silly some of it it never fails to be amusing and charming, which is more than good enough for me. The film's production values are decent and hold up fairly well, while Paul J.Smith's score is jaunty and dynamic. The script is snappy as well and the story doesn't fall into the trap of being too predictable complete with a number of very entertaining scenes especially the pursuit in the police car, hectic it may be but also entertaining.The direction is pretty good too, as is the acting. Fred MacMurray is likable with some fun acting chops, while Jean Hagen shows some great comic timing. The real star though is Tommy Kirk, who is just great here. All in all, a fun, charming and amusing movie. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Tommy Kirk is a typical teenager (Wilby) who gets an ancient ring caught in his trouser cuff. The magical jewel turns him into an on-again/off-again shaggy dog. Mr. Kirk's father Fred MacMurray (Mr. Wilson) hates dogs; little brother Kevin Corcoran (Moochie) loves them.This is a Walt Disney movie for kids; and, it's one to try to enjoy without asking a lot of questions about a very weak plot. The idea is fun, and the "special effect" might have looked very good to young 1959 eyes. Today, it's a movie to watch for the young performances. Kirk is very good as Wilby, effectively giving "The Shaggy Dog" a voice; he is charming. Tim Considine and Kevin Corcoran are likewise charmers as Kirk's pal and kid brother. Mr. Considine (as Buzz) has a terrific scene to watch for - look for his performance as he tries to put "the make" on fetching neighbor Roberta Shore, on her couch, with rival Wilby watching in dog form! Also, watch for the always charming Annette Funicello, delightfully bracketing the film as Buzz' sometimes steady. ***** The Shaggy Dog (3/19/59) Charles Barton ~ Fred MacMurray, Tommy Kirk, Tim Considine, Kevin Corcoran

I caught this film on Turner Classic Movies one Sundy morning. I almost NEVER watch Disney movies but for some reason ended up sitting through the whole flick. More enjoyable than most Disney movies I must say. I saw plenty as a youth and and there's one thing I'll always remember. As much as I wanted to see the films, I was always disappointed because all of the best/funny parts were already in the promotional TV ads which made the theater viewings redundant. Anyway, throughout the entire movie, after his exposure to a magic ring, Wilby turns into the Shaggy Dog and back without warning several more times. Every time this happens, the real shaggy dog disappears from wherever he is as the Dilby transformation takes palace. By the end of the movie though, Dilby seems to have been cured of this Jeckll & Hyde routine, What did I miss? What cured him? It went right over my head!