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Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog

  • 1961
  • Approved
  • 1h 27m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
2K
YOUR RATING
Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog (1961)
DramaFamily

The remarkable veritable story of a terrier named Bobby and the enduring friendship he forges with a tenderhearted shepherd known simply as Old Jock---unbroken even by the kindly old man's d... Read allThe remarkable veritable story of a terrier named Bobby and the enduring friendship he forges with a tenderhearted shepherd known simply as Old Jock---unbroken even by the kindly old man's death.The remarkable veritable story of a terrier named Bobby and the enduring friendship he forges with a tenderhearted shepherd known simply as Old Jock---unbroken even by the kindly old man's death.

  • Director
    • Don Chaffey
  • Writers
    • Robert Westerby
    • Eleanor Atkinson
  • Stars
    • Donald Crisp
    • Laurence Naismith
    • Alex Mackenzie
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Don Chaffey
    • Writers
      • Robert Westerby
      • Eleanor Atkinson
    • Stars
      • Donald Crisp
      • Laurence Naismith
      • Alex Mackenzie
    • 25User reviews
    • 6Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos20

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    Top cast43

    Edit
    Donald Crisp
    Donald Crisp
    • James Brown
    Laurence Naismith
    Laurence Naismith
    • Mr. Traill
    Alex Mackenzie
    Alex Mackenzie
    • Auld Jock
    Duncan Macrae
    Duncan Macrae
    • Sgt. Davie Maclean
    Andrew Cruickshank
    Andrew Cruickshank
    • Lord Provost
    Gordon Jackson
    Gordon Jackson
    • Farmer
    Rosalie Crutchley
    Rosalie Crutchley
    • Farmer's wife
    Freda Jackson
    Freda Jackson
    • Old woman caretaker
    Moultrie Kelsall
    Moultrie Kelsall
    • Magistrate
    Joyce Carey
    Joyce Carey
    • First Lady
    Vincent Winter
    Vincent Winter
    • Tammy
    Jameson Clark
    Jameson Clark
    • Constable
    • (as Jameson Clarke)
    Jack Lambert
    Jack Lambert
    • Doctor
    Bruce Seton
    Bruce Seton
    • Prosecutor
    Joan Juliet Buck
    Joan Juliet Buck
    • Ailie
    • (as Joan Buck)
    Hamish Wilson
    • Hamish
    Sean Keir
    Kay Walsh
    Kay Walsh
    • Mrs. Brown
    • Director
      • Don Chaffey
    • Writers
      • Robert Westerby
      • Eleanor Atkinson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews25

    7.21.9K
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    Featured reviews

    10oaksong

    putting away the hanky

    I was probably 14 when I saw this film, back in the early 60's and I know I cried. I hadn't seen it since, although it was never far out of my memory, 'til I got the DVD recently and took the time to watch it again. It still brought a tear to my eye.

    Time can play tricks on your memory, but this case it was as good a film as I recalled. It doesn't have any jump cuts, the camera work is simple and steady. The acting however is superb, bringing a genuine life to this mostly true story of a dog's faithfulness to it's departed master.

    My family always had dogs, and I watched plenty of Lassie on TV and read the novels of Albert Payson Terhune, so I have always had a close relationship with dogs, my most recent being a 16 year old miniature dachshund.

    If you can get your family to sit through it, I suggest it as a great alternative to what's on TV today.
    Marta

    Wonderful, sentimental story of a faithful dog.

    I'm sure everyone who grew up in the 60's remembers watching the wonderful world of Disney, where this film originally appeared. I remember watching it then and crying during the movie. It is a sentimental, heartwarming but very true to life story of Greyfriar's Bobby, a small dog who refused to leave his master, even after the master's death. Bobby sleeps on the master's grave at night, and is looked after by the residents of the Edinburgh, Scotland, neighborhood. When the question of paying for his license comes into the picture, the entire neighborhood, one of the poorest in Scotland, buys his license. Laurence Naismith and Donald Crisp are two of the neighborhood residents, and they are both great. Might be too slow for some kids, but don't let that stop you. It's a marvelous, well-told story and touched by just the right amount of realism and atmosphere. The residents of Edinburgh erected a statue in Bobby's honor after his death, and it's still there for everyone to enjoy, in remembrance of a Skye Terrier with a loyal heart.
    8petersj-2

    man's best friend

    Well I admit it... it worked on me and at the end of the movie I was a blubbering mess. It is a cleverly manipulative little gem and you will need a box of tissues. Its a real tear jerker and in this cynical age that's rather lovely. It is a case of anthroprorphism gone mad. It all about a cute(incredibly cute)little dog who has a beautiful friendship with old Jock, a kind hearted shepherd. Poor old Jock gets the boot from his employees and Bobby (the dog) follows the old man to Edinburgh. Its not Lassie comes home its Bobby follows Jock. The message is clear dogs pick their owners. Poor old Jock dies and well you know the rest. I saw the film as a kid and loved the story. There are a few liberties taken but trust Disney to tug at the heart strings, indeed its masterful.It is never creeky though. The film looks wonderful and it really has stood the test of time better than other Disney movies such as Condor man.The setting is beautiful and its one of the best Disney productions of all. Shamelessly sentimental but because of the winning performances by Laurence Naismith and the exceptional Donald Crisp it wins out every time. The whole cast are superb and as for that dog... it should have got an Oscar as best actor.
    7Atreyu_II

    One of the best examples of dogs's incredible loyalty

    This Disney oldie was directed by Don Chaffey, the same who directed "The Three Lives of Thomasina" and "Pete's Dragon" and, like the famous story of Hachiko, is based in a true story, in this case of a Skye Terrier named Greyfriars Bobby that lived in the 19th century (in Edinburgh, Scotland) and became famous for reportedly spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until his own death.

    In the film (I'm not sure how it was in real life) Greyfrairs Bobby, despite guarding his owner's grave, doesn't spend the whole time there waiting for him to come back. People feed him well and he gets along beautifully with most everyone, especially children.

    The film was shot in England and Scotland. Its looks very dated but rich cinematography is one of its virtues, thanks to the enchantment and natural beauty of the Scottish scenario.

    I noticed that they often use the expressions "laddie" and "lassie", which are often used by Jock the Scottish Terrier in 'Lady and the Tramp'.

    Considering their roles, most actors are alright. But the star is definitely the little great star. Now, who can that be? That's the doggy, of course!

    The dog is cute and utterly adorable. His loyalty to his owner in life and even long after death is worthy to be considered and admired. Despite being a dramatic film it has some fun moments. The children of the film are all nice and enjoyable.

    Overall, a reasonable film, realistic, poignant. Its only let-down is the courtroom scenes and the rather annoying policeman who looked like a caricature of himself.
    tpace

    The Greatest Dog Of All Time ( And a good movie)

    I love movies, I also love Dogs so I had a head start with this one. However I have always been a fan of this little dog. Although not exactly a documentary ( Jock was in real life a policeman not a shepeard). But the basic tale is true as far as I know, and is a true adaptation of the book. The acting is superb, the sets are wonderful and have captured Victorian Scotland superbly. If like me you cry at animal tales then get the tissues out, sit back and have your faith restored as to why the Dog is the greatest creature on Earth. And truly Man's best pal. If you feel moved enough you could even visit Scotland and see the gravestone that bobby sheltered from the rain under and his collar is still in one of the museums.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      There is a statue of Bobby on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh, which is near to the graveyard where old Jock is buried.
    • Quotes

      Urchin: A Penny? A Whole Penny? Each?

    • Connections
      Edited into The Magical World of Disney: Greyfriars Bobby: Part 1 (1964)
    • Soundtracks
      The Seventy-Ninth's Farewell to Gibraltar
      (uncredited)

      Traditional bagpipe tune

      Arranged by John McDonald

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    FAQ15

    • How long is Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 17, 1961 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Bobby Trofast
    • Filming locations
      • Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
    • Production company
      • Walt Disney Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • $721,203
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 27 minutes
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.75 : 1

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