The Shaggy Dog

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The Shaggy Dog

G

Released Mar 19, 1959

1h 44m

Kids & Family

Comedy

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68%

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19 Reviews

48%

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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

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

Mar 9, 2009

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Variety Staff

Variety

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

May 12, 2008

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Howard Thompson

New York Times

Brisk but unrewarding.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 25, 2006

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Moira Walsh

The Catholic World

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.

Nov 28, 2023

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

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

Dec 5, 2019

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Polly M. Robertus

Common Sense Media

A lovable mutt of a classic comedy.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 2, 2011

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Russell H

Silly but just enough comedy with the goofy father.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/12/23

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Jeffrey M

The Shaggy Dog is a boring movie. I watched it kind of a long time ago, but I remember it was super boring. I watched it, and it couldn't figure out what was even happening. I know this movie is really old, but the movie makers could have done better. What a bad movie.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/14/23

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J J

I absolutely love this movie!! It is so cute and adorable and Chiffon the dog is adorable! It's just a good wholesome movie with a lot of underlying meaning behind it! The special effects are really cool for being 1959 as well! Why the low reviews is beyond me, you can't judge movies from today's perspectives- people are absolutely clueless…This is a Walt Disney classic!! A definitely must-see!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/14/23

Full Review

Josh G

A charming and middle of the road live action Disney movie. The films begins in the odd and moves to a boy turning into a dog because a magic ring and he blew up his house making a rocket. Then they have stop government secrets from leaving the country. The jokes are few and far between but the dog is cute. The finally is fun but leaves alot to be desired.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/22/23

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Audience Member

Movie fun for 10 year old boys when came out.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Liam D

A sometimes silly picture with charming performances from Fred MacMurray (The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, Singapore) and Disney regular Tommy Kirk (Village of the Giants, The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/05/22

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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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