Dogs have appeared in movies and television since the early days. They have been best friends, law enforcement help, and in some movies, deadly predators.
Who could ever forget the most famous best friend dog ever to appear in television, Lassie. Lassie was one of the most famous collies ever to grace the screen. She was loyal, helpful, and most often, the on screen hero. Remakes of the 1940’s classic can be seen on television as well as the movie screen. The original Lassie series also airs daily on Discovery Kids network.
Rin Tin Tin, another famous on screen dog, may be the most famous of all german shepherds. He was most famously known for his vast array of tricks and acrobatic ability of being able to jump more than eleven feet into the air. He starred in nearly thirty different films in the 1920’s-1930’s. He also made guest appearances on television shows such as The Ford Show and The Steve Allen Show. Rin Tin Tin also led the way for other dogs to appear in movies such as the fun loving St. Bernard, Beethoven, in the movie of the same name. Aggressive coaching and behavior modification plans have made it easier to have dogs in movies these days. It is easy to train a dog to act a certain way or do a certain thing.
One of the most unforgettable dogs of television and film is Cujo, a rabid, vicious, man hunting, killer St. Bernard. This film, based on a book by Stephen King features the loving dog Cujo, in a suspenseful, heart pounding, thriller. Because of Cujo’s rabies, he has turned into a killer, ravaging anything or anyone in his path.
Whether its helping to find a child trapped in a well, busting the capers in a bank robbery, or instinctively hunting down its prey and victims, onscreen dogs have given new light to the film and television industry. |
