The Shaggy Dog

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The Shaggy Dog

G,

1959,

1h 44m,

Kids & Family/

Comedy

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68%

19 Reviews

Tomatometer

48%

5,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

48%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

The son of dog-hating former mailman Wilson Daniels (Fred MacMurray), young Wilby (Tommy Kirk) accidentally becomes a canine himself when he stumbles upon an ancient curse. Inadvertently invoking a magical spell engraved on a centuries-old ring, Wilby begins turning into a sheepdog at unpredictable times, only to later return to human form. As if this wasn't enough for Wilby, he overhears a plot to steal secret government information while in dog form, leading to unexpected adventure.

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TIME Magazine

Mar 9, 2009

Unhappily, Producer Walt Disney tells his shaggy-dog story so doggedly that he soon runs it into the pound.

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Variety Staff

Variety

May 12, 2008

There are a good many laughs on this simple premise and the script's exploitation of them.

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Howard Thompson

New York Times

Mar 25, 2006

2/5

Brisk but unrewarding.

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Moira Walsh

The Catholic World

Nov 28, 2023

It is a real shaggy dog story in the sense of having neither explanation nor point. It is intelligently made however and surprisingly likeable especially for youngsters. Also its lunatic premise gives rise to some pricelessly funny bits.

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

Dec 5, 2019

Although played very broadly for what the industry calls bellylaffs, it adds up to an enjoyable family show.

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Polly M. Robertus

Common Sense Media

Jan 2, 2011

4/5

A lovable mutt of a classic comedy.

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Mar 26, 2018

It's simply hilarious for people who are dog <3's and such!

Han R

Mar 11, 2008

Classic Disney comedy

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Charles Barton

Director

Fred MacMurray

Wilson Daniels

Jean Hagen

Freeda Daniels

Tommy Kirk

Wilby Daniels

Annette Funicello

Allison D'Allessio

Tim Considine

Buzz Miller

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Synopsis

The son of dog-hating former mailman Wilson Daniels (Fred MacMurray), young Wilby (Tommy Kirk) accidentally becomes a canine himself when he stumbles upon an ancient curse. Inadvertently invoking a magical spell engraved on a centuries-old ring, Wilby begins turning into a sheepdog at unpredictable times, only to later return to human form. As if this wasn't enough for Wilby, he overhears a plot to steal secret government information while in dog form, leading to unexpected adventure.

Director: Charles Barton
Producer: Walt Disney
Screenwriter: Bill Walsh, Lillie Hayward
Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution Co. Inc.
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 19, 1959, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2015
Runtime: 1h 44m

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