Even though Fred MacMurray plays a dad named Wilson Daniels, during the viewings and while writing this post, I just called him Fred the whole time (because Fred is much more fun to say that Mr. Daniels). For this project, I’m focusing on the story itself, including dialogue, character development, any subplots, how a story presents itself, the speed at which it moves, if it slows down unnecessarily, etc.
Update: In February 2022, I started a video version of the DFP on Tiktok. You can find the video below. Thoughts expressed in the video may be different than what are expressed in the blog post, due to the time difference in posting.
A Brief Summary
When awkward teen, Wilby Daniels, finds a magic ring, he transforms into a large sheepdog. His younger brother, Moochie, loves his new look and his new neighbor, Franceska, believes him to be her dog Chiffon. But as he changes back and forth between dog and human, Wilby discovers that Franceska’s father is a Russian spy in charge of taking down the Space Program and it’s up to Wilby and Moochie to stop the spy ring. Includes a rocket, a country club dance and a hero’s medal.
What works
- The layout for the story was simple, basic even. Details were added for depth and humor, but the basic plotline was relatively simple, making it easy to follow along.
- The story was timed out well. Everything happened like building blocks, stacked on top of one another. I especially appreciated how the characters were added bit by bit, not overcrowding the story or the screen time.
- The suburban setting works so well here! It’s small enough that there weren’t a needless amount of characters walking around but large enough that a county museum and a named mansion reside within the town.
- Fred’s dog phobia was absolute perfection. It added a steady, much-needed amount of tension that played off well against the larger conflict (aka the spies/Space program)
What may or may not work
- Wilby Daniels is kind of a weak protagonist. I don’t like not liking the story’s protagonist but I found Wilby to be whiny and a tad obnoxious. Also, he has the worst taste in friends (I see you Buzz). I almost enjoyed his time as a dog more than watching his human side. I didn’t see much character growth though he kind of sort of told Buzz off at the end of the movie.
- Having the real Chiffon appear at the end was a little questionable. Humor-wise, it was great. But the entire film, when Wilby becomes a dog, Chiffon disappears only to reappear in that same spot. So this final appearance didn’t fit the pattern.
Honorable Mentions
- Favorite Quotes
- “Great Suffering Cat!” – Buzz
- “Come on Wilby, quit feeling sorry for yourself.” -Moochie
- “Hey you mangy cur, come back with my car!” -Buzz (after Dog-Wilby steals his car)
- Shout out to the poor cop who keeps running into Dog-Wilby because Do-Wilby doesn’t know to shut up when he’s a dog.
- Allison (aka Annette Funicello) for showing up the boys (aka Buzz and Wilby) for being idiots and finding a better guy to date. So proud of her!
Side Questions
- Why didn’t Professor Plumcott come forward about Wilby after everything was over? He could have (possibly) helped get Wilby the credit he deserved.
What I learned from watching this film
- Fred was my absolute favorite character in this film, hands down. I mentioned in the ‘might not’ section that Wilby didn’t have much character growth, but Fred sure did. Even though Wilby is the one that goes through most everything as a dog, looking back, it’s actually Fred who was the main star (and not just because he’s Fred MacMurray). He shows the most, if the only, growth in the film, with his phobia of dogs as the way to measure how far he’s come. Thinking about how that played out, it makes me want to explore writing a story where the main protagonist isn’t the main focused character, but rather a secondary character. It could be fun, don’t you think?
If you’ve seen The Shaggy Dog, what are some of your thoughts? Share in the comments below!
Rewind to the beginning of the Disney Film Project
Skip back to the previous film with Sleeping Beauty
Fast Forward to the next film with Darby O’Gill and the Little People
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