The Shaggy Dog (1959)

About The Shaggy Dog

The Shaggy Dog is a black-and-white Walt Disney film released in 1959. Directed by Charles Barton, this comedic storyline centers around a young boy named Wilby Daniels who is transformed into an Old English Sheepdog due to an ancient spell. The entertaining plot includes elements of mystery, crime, and humor, with Wilby trying to navigate his everyday life, stop criminals, and somehow manage to become human again.

Making/Production

The 1959 film was adapted from Felix Salten's 1923 novel, "The Hound of Florence". Bill Walsh and Lillie Hayward were the screenwriters for this Disney production. Despite being a low-budget film, it went on to become a big success at the box office, thanks to the skilled direction of Charles Barton and the creative use of special effects.

Actors

• Tommy Kirk: played the role of Wilby Daniels. Kirk's marvellous performance as a teenager turned shaggy dog was well received. He played the role with great humor and charm.
• Fred MacMurray: portrayed Wilson Daniels. MacMurray brilliantly captured the perplexity and humor of a mailman dad who detests dogs.
• Annette Funicello: as Allison D'Allessio, she played the love interest of Wilby. With her impressive acting, she added warmth and sincerity to this comedy.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The Shaggy Dog became Disney's most profitable film of the 1950s, despite its low budget.
• Fred MacMurray became one of Disney’s favorite actors to cast following his performance in this film.
• "The Shaggy Dog" was Walt Disney Studio's first live-action comedy.

Quotes

• “Every time I bark, I turn into a dog.” - Wilby Daniels
• “Oh no, not the dog bite routine. I had three tetanus shots this year already.” - Wilson Daniels

Music, Soundtrack

• "The Shaggy Dog Cha-Cha-Cha" by Paul J. Smith
• "The Day is Done" by Hazel "Gil" George