bkoganbing
Danny Boy is not a film about the famous Irish song otherwise known as Londonderry Air. It is about a returning war veteran of the Marine Corps. How Danny Boy got in the Marines the movie doesn't explain. We either have to believe that Buzz Henry gave up his dog to the war effort or God help us, their German Shepherd was drafted.In any event he's coming home after being trained as an attack dog and serving in Iwo Jima. I've heard a few accounts of the battle, but I never heard that dogs were weapons used by the Marines. I didn't see one in Sands Of Iwo Jima or Flags Of Our Fathers.Ralph Lewis has also returned from the Marines as well as the dog Danny Boy presumably now trained as your average lovable pooch. Helen Brown, young Henry's mother is happy to see them both.But when the dog seemingly unprovoked attacks someone, the law gets called in and a death sentence is ordered. In the end the dog redeems himself and gets a pardon.This film is about as cheap as they come from the PRC company. It looks like it was shot with my father's old Revere home movie camera. It's sincere enough, but the cinematography, the editing are pretty bad. But Henry and his pals are sincere enough as the kid and Danny Boy is a lovable Rin Tin Tin clone.
visunitaforitor
Our dog Danny Boy returns as a WWII war veteran having been highly honored and decorated as a hero. His young owner has doubts that this really is his dog and a certain neighbor has reservations about the safety of such a dog - since he was an attack dog is he yet a menace or danger to the town? This is no BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES though in a canine way it follows the rehabilitation theme. A bit predictable but if you don't expect too much it has its rewards. It is well acted both by the leads and the supporting cast. Ace the German Shepherd does an adequate job. Of course no "dog picture" is complete without a bit a sentiment. Unlike Lassie who always seemed to have super than human abilities, Danny Boy doesn't pretend to be more than what he is. It's worth a watch.
