Greyfriars Bobby

Product Description

Overflowing with warmth and charm, GREYFRIARS BOBBY celebrates the powerful bond between man and a kind and loving animal. Based on Eleanor Atkinson’s immortal children’s book — Walt Disney presents the remarkable true story of one of Scotland’s most beloved and celebrated heroes — a terrier named Bobby! The enduring friendship forged between a tenderhearted shepherd known simply as Old Jock and his devoted dog cannot be broken — even by the kindly old man’s death. Set in bustling Victorian Edinburgh and the breathtaking Scottish countryside, GREYFRIARS BOBBY is a sensitive tale of uncommon loyalty and affection that is certain to delight and inspire one and all!

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Released in 1961–the same year as The Absent-Minded Professor and The Parent Trap—Greyfriars Bobby epitomizes the heart-on-its-sleeve sentimentality that was the special preserve of the Disney Studio. Based on a true story, the film follows the adventures of a wee Skye terrier who refuses to be separated from his master, even in death. Bobby sleeps on the old man’s grave in the cemetery of Greyfriars church; he won’t be driven away by Mr. Brown, the groundskeeper (Donald Crisp), or adopted by Mr. Trail (Laurence Naismith), the kindly restaurant owner. Bobby wins over both men, as well as the children in the neighborhood tenements. When a priggish policeman charges Mr. Trail with harboring an unlicensed stray, the case becomes a tempest in a dog dish. Greyfriars Bobby offers handsome vistas of Edinburgh; however, even at 91 minutes the pace is meandering. Crisp and Naismith offer engaging performances as the reluctant friends (and rivals for Bobby’s affection), but everyone speaks with such thick Scottish burrs it’s like attending Groundskeeper Willie’s family reunion. Suitable for all ages. –Charles Solomon