The Ugly Dachshund is a 1966 Walt Disney Productions feature film starring Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette in a story about a Great Dane who believes he's a dachshund. Based on a 1938 novel by Gladys Bronwyn Stern, it was written by Albert Aley and directed by Norman Tokar. It was one of several light-hearted comedies produced by the Disney Studios during the 1960s. It was released theatrically on February 4, 1966.
Plot[]
Mark and Fran Garrison are a dog-loving couple with different tastes in canines. The story begins with their dachshund, Danke, giving birth to 3 puppies. One day, gentle veterinarian, Dr. Pruitt convinces Mark to take a runt Great Dane puppy home with him as a gift. That same day his Great Dane had a large litter of puppies and he didn't have enough milk for all of them. Mark agrees and the Great Dane, named Brutus, grows up with the tiny puppies; convinced that he's also a dachshund. His confused identity sets the stage for a number of mildly comic bits lead by the mischievous dachshunds--he chases a policeman up a tree, destroys Mark's studio with paint splattered, and ruins a garden party in a topsy-turvy way. Fran finally tells Mark that Brutus has to go, but changes her mind when he saves her favorite dachshund puppy, Chloe, from a scrap heap. Mark and Fran enter their dogs in a dog show with Brutus meeting others of his breed. He notices a female Great Dane and stands at attention. He goes on to win two blue ribbons. He finally finds out what its like to be a Great Dane.
Cast[]
- Dean Jones - Mark Garrison
- Suzanne Pleshette - Fran Garrison
- Charlie Ruggles - Dr. Pruitt
- Kelly Thordsen - Officer/Sgt. Carmody
- Parley Baer - Mel Chadwick
- Robert Kino - Mr. Toyama
- Mako Iwamatsu - Kenji
- Charles Lane - Judge
- Gil Lamb - Milkman
- Dick Wessel - Eddie (voice looped by Paul Frees)
Production Credits[]
- Director - Norman Tokar
- Producer - Walt Disney
- Co-producer - Winston Hibler
- Set Designer - Frank R. McKelvey
- Costume Designer - Chuck Keehne
- Art Director - Marvin Aubrey Davis
- Costume Designer - Gertrude Casey
- Makeup - Pat McNalley
- Consultant/advisor - Glenn H. Randall, Jr.
- First Assistant Director - Tom Leetch
Trivia[]
- A copyright renewal for the film was registered on October 12, 1993.[1] The copyright to the story it is based on was also renewed in the U.S.[2]
- The title references the literary fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling.
- Both animals were being raised by a different species.
- They were neglected by their respective foster family.
- They discovered who their species really are.
Gallery[]
References[]
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