Wizard-8 Like so many of the live action movies made by the Disney studio while Walt Disney was alive, "Greyfriars Bobby" has all but been forgotten in the years since it was released to theaters. While it isn't an unsung classic, it is a perfectly fine family movie that modern day children and adults will enjoy. Compared to most modern day family movies, it's tone is very quiet and subdued, which at first may put off some viewers craving excitement and high drama. But these people will probably be quickly charmed by the thoughtful pacing and calm drama. I will admit that in the middle third of the movie, the story pretty much stops and there isn't really anything done to advance the plot or characters. But even when this happens, the movie is never boring, and has plenty of charm and colorful attributes. As I said before, this movie isn't a masterpiece, but it's all the same a feel good exercise that will make you happy you watched it.

boblipton Donald Crisp may get the top billing, but it's the unnamed pooch who's the real star here. Bobby may belong to the farm, but he loves Alex Mackenzie, and when the old man is fired and heads to Edinburgh, the dog follows him. Alas, Mackenzie dies and is buried, but the dog walks with the poor cortege to Greyfriars graveyard and plops down on the grave, where grouchy Crisp doesn't want him, but kindly tavern keeper Laurence Naismith does. However, Kay Walsh, Crisp's wife, admires Bobby's rat-killing, and soon a competition arises between the two men for more than a decade, as the wee dog guards its master's grave.Based on Eleanor Atkinson's sentimental 1912 novel (it had already been plundered for 1949's CHALLENGE TO LASSIE, also starring Crisp), it's pure Disney sentimentality placed on a well-decorated lot in Shepperton, as well as fine establishing shots in Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside.Crisp may not deserve top billing, but he had certainly earned it. His movie career stretched back to 1908, when he became a member of D.W. Griffith stock company at the age of 26. When this movie came out, he was nearly 80. After one more movie, he retired and lived to be over 90.

Atreyu_II This Disney oldie was directed by Don Chaffey, the same who directed "The Three Lives of Thomasina" and "Pete's Dragon" and, like the famous story of Hachiko, is based in a true story, in this case of a Skye Terrier named Greyfriars Bobby that lived in the 19th century (in Edinburgh, Scotland) and became famous for reportedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until his own death.In the film (I'm not sure how it was in real life) Greyfrairs Bobby, despite guarding his owner's grave, doesn't spend the whole time there waiting for him to come back. People feed him well and he gets along beautifully with most everyone, especially children.The film was shot in England and Scotland. Its looks very dated but rich cinematography is one of its virtues, thanks to the enchantment and natural beauty of the Scottish scenario.I noticed that they often use the expressions "laddie" and "lassie", which are often used by Jock the Scottish Terrier in 'Lady and the Tramp'.Considering their roles, most actors are alright. But the star is definitely the little great star. Now, who can that be? That's the doggy, of course!The dog is cute and utterly adorable. His loyalty to his owner in life and even long after death is worthy to be considered and admired. Despite being a dramatic film it has some fun moments. The children of the film are all nice and enjoyable.Overall, a reasonable film, realistic, poignant. Its only let-down is the courtroom scenes and the rather annoying policeman who looked like a caricature of himself.

fcasnette Let's get this out of the way... I hate Hollywood movies by number, Disney schmaltz, stereotyped screenplays, and endings and plot devices you can see a mile off... so why do I like this film? Basically the story is a true and affecting one of loyalty beyond death, and the kind of love a dog gives a loving master which could easily have me reaching for the sick bucket in the wrong hands. Well directed by Don Chaffey who went on to much work on TV series like Danger Man, The Prisoner, The Avengers, Mission Impossible etc in a simple unassuming manner which perfectly fits the low key style required to get just the right emotional punch and uplift at the end.A well constructed screenplay gets us off to a favourable start but the acting all round hits exactly the correct note. Donald Crisp is really excellent as the crusty Scotsman, and lifts Laurence Naismith (Moore and Curtis' boss in the Persuaders) to the same level in their long running feud scenes and affecting melting to friendship through common love of the little dog at the end. Andrew Cruickshank (in the original Dr Finlay) is wonderful as the Lord Provost in the crucial highpoint turnaround scene. The comedy turns like the officious policeman and the court reporter who lets the kids into court are spot on. Even the kids are fine.The actors stick close to a style suitable for a Disney movie but the clever understatement (helped by the character motivation not wanting to appear too weak in loving a stray dog) make the unfolding story and ending carry a real emotional punch. Yes, it's corny but based on a TRUE corniness, and that's what makes it stand out among Disney (and other!) films. Beautiful colour throughout and if you've ever been to Edinburgh you will like the recreation of the old city. The music is also excellent, the strings perfectly complimenting the Scottish theme with bagpipe like harmonies.Recommended for children of all ages up to 110.Get a box of tissues out for the last quarter of an hour and enjoy!