Unhappily, Producer Walt Disney tells his shaggy-dog story so doggedly that he soon runs it into the pound.
The Shaggy Dog (1959)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:17
Fresh:11
Rotten:6
Average Rating:5.6/10
Synopsis: Filled with impossible situations and hilarious gags, this comic allegory follows the adventures of Wilby Daniels (Tommy Kirk) after he finds an ancient mysterious ring and unintentionally casts a... Filled with impossible situations and hilarious gags, this comic allegory follows the adventures of Wilby Daniels (Tommy Kirk) after he finds an ancient mysterious ring and unintentionally casts a hex on himself and turns into a huge sheepdog. The only other odd thing is that Wilby still has his voice intact. Back and forth he goes, constantly changing from the pooch to his human self. While this amuses his brother, it positively amazes his neighbors, the local police, and a brunette beauty on his street. As if his bad hair days weren't enough, Wilby soon learns that a group of spies has moved into the neighborhood. This initially bad news might turn into his chance to perform a final heroic act that could free him from the spell altogether. The resulting comedy is a well-tailored adolescent romp directed with great pacing by Charles Barton. [More]
Starring: Fred MacMurray, Jean Hagen, Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello
Starring: Fred MacMurray, Jean Hagen, Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello, Tim Considine, Kevin Corcoran, Cecil Kellaway, Alexander Scourby
Director: Charles Barton
Director: Charles Barton
Screenwriter: Bill Walsh, Lillie Hayward
Producer: Walt Disney, Bill Walsh
Composer: Paul J. Smith
Reviews for The Shaggy Dog
It not only marked the return of Fred MacMurray to comedy -- in which he got his start in the 1930s--but it also convinced the Disney folks that the combination of situation comedy and fantasy was an idea worth pursuing.
There are a good many laughs on this simple premise and the script's exploitation of them.
This one lives up to the Disney charm, outshining the original, and not a single parent is killed in the process.
The Shaggy Dog is classic Disney. It's a bit lost on the kids of today - especially the younger ones.
The Shaggy Dog may have been made strictly for kids, but it is still cute enough for adults to get a kick out of.
This 1959 film was Disney's first live-action comedy; it isn't good, but it's certainly mythic.
Latest News for The Shaggy Dog
May 14, 2008:
Total Recall: Our Favorite Talking Animals
Now that the second film in Disney/Walden's big-budget reimagining of the Narnia series, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, is heading to theaters, we here at RT thought... More...
March 09, 2006:
Critical Consensus: Mangy "Dog," Rom-Com "Failure," Evil "Eye"
This week's wide releases include a pair of remakes for very different demographics ("The Shaggy Dog" and "The Hills Have Eyes"), and a romantic comedy... More...
February 15, 2006:
Trailer Bulletin: The Shaggy Dog
In 1959 Disney released a live-action family comedy about a family man who turns into a dog. Instead of keeping "The Shaggy Dog" out of the public consciousness, for... More...
December 20, 2005:
Trailer Bulletin: The Shaggy Dog
Anyone up for a Disney remake of "The Shaggy Dog," starring Tim Allen? The one about a guy who turns into a dog? Anyone? If you're brave enough to check out this... More...
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 76% 76% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- The Shaggy Dog at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

