Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog (1961)

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Disney's Greyfriars Bobby is a remake of A Challenge to Lassie; both are based on the same novel by Eleanor Atkinson, and both feature Donald Crisp in a major role. A true story, set in Edinburgh around 1875, the Disney version stars Alex McKenzie as the shepherd Old Jock, the owner of a loyal Skye… More Disney's Greyfriars Bobby is a remake of A Challenge to Lassie; both are based on the same novel by Eleanor Atkinson, and both feature Donald Crisp in a major role. A true story, set in Edinburgh around 1875, the Disney version stars Alex McKenzie as the shepherd Old Jock, the owner of a loyal Skye terrier named Bobby. When Jock dies of "old age, exposure, and starvation," and is buried in the Edinburgh cemetery known as Greyfriars Kirk, Bobby spends his days playing with street children, begging for scraps, and evading the police constables, but by night he sleeps on his late master's gravesite and refuses to leave, despite graveyard caretaker John Brown's (Crisp) efforts to chase Bobby away. Slowly but surely, the taciturn Brown comes to love the steadfast dog, which brings him into conflict with stiff-necked Constable MacLean (Donald MacRae), who intends to "arrest" Bobby if Brown doesn't pay the minimal license fee. Standing on principle, Brown refuses, but a group of local children raise the necessary funds, setting the stage for a heartwarmingly Disneyesque finale. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Don Chaffey
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Jul 17, 1961 Wide
On DVD: Jul 6, 2004

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Featured Audience Ratings

♥Robyn

this is a well done Disney picture, guaranteed to melt the heart of any animal lover. Set in Edinburgh at the turn of the century, the film follows the adventures of a cute little Skye terrier named Bobby. When his elderly master dies, the loyal dog refuses to leave the grave.… More
this is a well done Disney picture, guaranteed to melt the heart of any animal lover. Set in Edinburgh at the turn of the century, the film follows the adventures of a cute little Skye terrier named Bobby. When his elderly master dies, the loyal dog refuses to leave the grave. Eventually Bobby is persuaded to venture into town and play with the local children, but at night he runs back to the cemetery and his masters grave. Word of the dogs odd behavior spreads throughout Edinburgh, and Bobby becomes quite a local celebrity,it is based on a true story this movie. a real tear jerker~!
Bruce B

A Walt Disney Film, note I said Walt Disney, made when you could trust a Disney Movie to be free from today?s filth seen on the screen. This is a story about a small little dog, who's long time friend passes away, and the little dog sits on the old mans grave every night,… More
A Walt Disney Film, note I said Walt Disney, made when you could trust a Disney Movie to be free from today?s filth seen on the screen. This is a story about a small little dog, who's long time friend passes away, and the little dog sits on the old mans grave every night, despite everyone's attempt to keep him from doing it. Movie was made in 1961 when just about anything Disney touched turned to gold. This is a great story for animal lovers and Children under 13. I have to give it 4 stars.