I agree with many of the IMDB user reviews of 1959's The Shaggy Dog. It's corny but enjoyable, riddled with plot flaws that are a joy to ignore. In some cases it's timeless. (What's not to like about a cute dog that talks?) And in other cases it's dated. (Fred McMurray grabbing a shotgun and chasing the dog through the neighborhood?!) But I recommend viewing this movie for one reason alone: the "actor" who plays the title role -- Sam, the Old English Sheepdog. What a talent! He runs. He jumps through windows. He protects his owner from unwanted suitors. He climbs stepladders. Heck, he even moves the ladder and sets it up before he climbs it! At times, a puppet (or a guy in a dog suit) fills in for him, but what star doesn't have a stunt double? My favorite scene is after Tommy Kirk has turned into the shaggy dog and needs to sneak out of the dance without anyone seeing him. Sam the dog, who has approximately the same build as a panda bear, gets down low and starts to crawl across the floor on his belly -- oblivious to the fact he's crossing an open area and everyone can see him. When Roberta Shore calls out his name, Sam stops and turns his head as if to say "Wha?!" What a sweetie! If you love dogs, and especially if you love Old English Sheepdogs, you will not regret watching this movie.

After the opening titles, we see a view of 1950s suburb United States. Afterwards we see Wilson Daniels (Fred MacMurray) yelling at a dog to get off his lawn. A narrator tells us that Wilson loves his fellow man, but despises man's best friend the dog (mostly because he's a postman). But Wilson's oldest son Wilby Daniels (Tommy Kirk) inadvertently turns into a dog and has to uncover a group of spies who are planning to steal a missile. If that story line makes no sense, that's because it was written down. Trust me the story is a lot better when you watch the movie. Even though it may not make any sense when you read my review it will when you watch it. The acting is also good. MacMurray plays the average American everyman and does a really good job with it. When all these strange things happen to Wilson, he pretty much goes along with it. Most of the runtime is actually spent on Wilby, because he's the person that actually turns into the dog. So Wilby sees all these things that Wilson is pretty much oblivious too for the majority if the film. Even at the end when Wilson is being hailed as a hero he still doesn't really know what jut happened to him. The rest of the cast also turned in a great performance. I highly recommend this movie. It's available on DVD and VHS so if you can find a copy check it out.

Well, I'll be dog-gone! It was my sweet, little, 8 year-old nephew, Dexter, who excitedly picked out THE SHAGGY DOG (1959) at the local video store for the 2 of us to watch together.... And, you know what? I'm glad he did.Regardless of its gaping plot-holes and its laughably cheap make-up effects, THE SHAGGY DOG's script was definitely first-rate, fast-paced, and, generally, a lot of goofy, family-oriented fun-fun-fun.Packed with plenty of hilarious one-liners, slapstick chases, and uproarious sight gags, THE SHAGGY DOG also featured an excellent cast who competently brought this 1950s Comedy right in on the mark.THE SHAGGY DOG's story centers around the zany experiences of a white, suburban, teen named Wilby Daniels (a bona-fide geek) who, always at a loss for words around the girls, suddenly finds himself in a very hairy situation when the unknown powers of an antique "magical" ring transforms him into an Old English sheepdog. (You go figure) Check it out. You'll be dog-gone glad that you did.Arf! Arf! This original version of THE SHAGGY DOG was far superior to the 2006 remake.

Tommy Kirk is a typical teenager (Wilby) who gets an ancient ring caught in his trouser cuff. The magical jewel turns him into an on-again/off-again shaggy dog. Mr. Kirk's father Fred MacMurray (Mr. Wilson) hates dogs; little brother Kevin Corcoran (Moochie) loves them.This is a Walt Disney movie for kids; and, it's one to try to enjoy without asking a lot of questions about a very weak plot. The idea is fun, and the "special effect" might have looked very good to young 1959 eyes. Today, it's a movie to watch for the young performances. Kirk is very good as Wilby, effectively giving "The Shaggy Dog" a voice; he is charming. Tim Considine and Kevin Corcoran are likewise charmers as Kirk's pal and kid brother. Mr. Considine (as Buzz) has a terrific scene to watch for - look for his performance as he tries to put "the make" on fetching neighbor Roberta Shore, on her couch, with rival Wilby watching in dog form! Also, watch for the always charming Annette Funicello, delightfully bracketing the film as Buzz' sometimes steady. ***** The Shaggy Dog (3/19/59) Charles Barton ~ Fred MacMurray, Tommy Kirk, Tim Considine, Kevin Corcoran