Scruffy (1980)

Lack of good storyline.

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

Although this isn't among my favorite animated ABC Weekend Specials, I still found this okay. As usual, I first caught this on Youtube a few months ago. This story follows the hardships of the eponymous, young, girl puppy and how she is forced to go through them. Not only is this a story about this particular dog's life, but that of the other dogs featured here. One of Scruffy's predicaments is she and her mother, Duchess, having to escape a house fire. Others are after she and Duchess leave their temporary new owners home to search for their original masters, Duchess ends up getting slain by a hunter and when a third temporary owner, a homeless street performer named Mr. Tibbles ends up dying following a mugging incident. Although there are some tragedies involved in this, it's not completely bad and sad. It has its funny moments too, like among the fellow dogs Scruffy meets at a junkyard, there's one who is a drunk. There are a couple of Disney references in this, (i.e. Scruffy's mother's homicide being reminiscent of Bambi's mother's murder). Another reviewer who mentioned the end of this when Scruffy is all grown up and has puppies with Butch is reminiscent of Lady and the Tramp. That reviewer also mentioned that it's doggy incest, but how can that be so when Scruffy and Butch aren't even related? Anyway, this is basically a tale that serves as a social commentary to the plight of stray animals.

This is absolutely my favorite cartoon ever made. It pains me,however, that not many people know about it. It is a heartfelt story of a stray puppy and the trials and tribulations that Scruffy must face. It is a combination of Bambi and Lady and the Tramp. It is unique in it's own right because of the interesting story line and good writing. I have loved it since I was old enough to remember and I am now 22. It is one that should be considered a classic in the cartoon world but is not. I recommend it to anyone who loves cartoons and especially the ones about animals. I just wish that they would put it on DVD because my VHS copy is so worn down!

This is the most poignant,heart wrenching cartoon that I have ever seen.My wife has been telling me for years how moving this cartoon is but it was only when I saw it that I realised what she meant. From the moment Scruffy's mother was abandoned by her owners ,at the start of the film,you realise that you are about to see a very special movie but you are unprepared for how special this cartoon really is. Throughout the first quarter of an hour of "Scruffy" you should be trying to hold back the tears but when Scruffy loses her mother ,if you have any heart,then the floodgates should open.From this point in the movie i was moved to tears and don't think i have ever been so moved by a cartoon. Scruffy finds many friends along the way, including an old hobo,and from adventure to adventure she certainly finds a friend in the viewer. You know this cartoon probably has a happy ending but until the poignant finally you are not quite sure. In conclusion;The animation may be simple,the story may be easy to follow but this little nugget of rare gold teaches about empathy towards others,friendship and how to treat our fellow travellers on the journey of life. A classic cartoon with the perfect score 10/10

This movie was originally shown as a three part mini-series as an "ABC Weekend Special" in 1980 and was replayed several times following. If you love dog stories or films about canine situations, you will no doubt enjoy this animated feature. While "Scruffy" was created for Saturday morning TV, it plays very well as a feature length film. The story is centered around a Springer Spaniel puppy, who after being orphaned struggles to survive as a stray in a large city. Along the way she encounters various humans both good and bad, challenging situations, and befriends a tough but lovable male Pit Bull Terrier who serves as a friend and protector. The film sends a strong message concerning the hardships endured by stray dogs, and while "Scruffy" is kid friendly, the producers did not sugar-coat the fact that unwanted or discarded canines are destroyed if they do not find a home. In the end the viewer is left feeling happy about the story's outcome, but at the same time reminded that the unwanted pet population is a problem that will not go away anytime soon and that it is up to the human population of the world to be responsible for a solution. All in all a nice story that will please any fan of dog related movies or admirers of classic Saturday Morning animation.