The Ugly Dachshund (1966)

About The Ugly Dachshund

The Ugly Dachshund is a 1966 Walt Disney Productions feature film starring Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette in a story about a Great Dane who thinks he's a dachshund. This charming family movie is based on the 1938 novel of the same name written by G.B. Stern.

In a lovely and comedic twist of events, a Great Dane puppy ends up with a litter of Dachshunds, where he grows up believing he's just a big version of the little wiener dogs. This creates lots of hilarious moments as he tries to fit into their small world. The film is a sweet and funny tale about family, understanding, and fitting in despite our differences.

Making / Production

Walt Disney saw the film as an opportunity to appeal to the family audience with a heartwarming story. It was directed by Norman Tokar and produced by Walt Disney and Winston Hibler, with screenplay adaptation by Albert Aley.

Actors

• Dean Jones as Mark Garrison - Jones excellently played his role as a loving owner who is frustrated with his oversized pet but eventually embraces his quirks.
• Suzanne Pleshette as Fran Garrison - Pleshette starred as the slightly neurotic wife who dotes on her Dachshunds but eventually comes to love the Great Dane.
• Charlie Ruggles as Dr. Pruitt - Ruggles played the family vet with a fatherly charm and a twinkle in his eye.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This charming family comedy was one of many American films imported to the Soviet Union.
• Parley Baer, who voiced the ringmaster in Dumbo, also had a role in this film.
• The movie was filmed in Technicolor and released to theaters nationwide on February 16, 1966.

Awards

While The Ugly Dachshund did not win any official awards, it was well-received by audiences and remains a beloved classic to this day.

Quotes

• "But sir... this isn't a dachshund!" - Mark Garrison
• "What do you mean he thinks he's a dachshund? He's a Great Dane!" - Dr. Pruitt
• "He only looks different, Mark. He's just... special." - Fran Garrison

Music, Soundtrack

• The film score was composed by George Bruns, capturing the light-hearted spirit of the story.
• The enchanting theme tune was adapted from Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz.