The Biscuit Eater

There is a story in my family that this story actually began with a dog that belonged to my grandfather,in Gainsville,Georgia.....with Grandpa's dog, the story was that he had wanted to get into hunting, and got two dogs,one an Irish setter, the other some kind of pointer. The setter was dumb as a brick, and wound up just a pet, but the pointer was too bloody smart, and though it was obvious it knew what was wanted, it would play dumb like the setter, so that it wouldn't have to work. So the dog would just hang out under the back porch, waiting for the leftovers, and beat the setter almost every time the biscuits were tossed to the dogs,hence the name. It wasn't an insult, just a comment on the dog's tricks.

Grandpa knew the dog was a hunter, because he had seen the dog working before he bought it, and would see it point and flush when it was out in the fields on its own. He didn't have the patience to train,and apparently just got a kick from the dog's intelligence, and liked to tell the story to cronies. He said that Disney heard the story (this part I don't remember), and stole the idea. He tried to sue, but didn't get anywhere.

The one thing we learn from The Biscuit Eater is what a Biscuit Eater is. It's a dog that is untrainable and steals eggs. Not good to keep dogs and chickens together, make sure the chickens are protected.

Young Johnny Whitaker and George Spell have such a dog, but they think the label is an aspersion on the dog's character. He's trainable as a hunting dog and they're going to prove it. All this to the amusement of parents Earl Holliman and Patricia Crowley for Whittaker and Beah Richards, Spell's widowed mom.

I did like the chemistry between the boys in the film, they come across as real and genuine.

Rounding out the cast are Lew Ayres, the sportsman for whom Holliman trains hunting dogs, Mantan Moreland as a snoopy butler, Clifton James as a mean neighbor.

Cannot forget Godfrey Cambridge though as a hustling gas station owner who is forever got a cigar in his mouth and is quite a character. You have to see how he hustles Lew Ayres and how he wheedles free meals from Beah Richards.

The Biscuit Eater is a nice family film in the Disney tradition.

Wholesome story about two kids and a dog.

I very much enjoyed 'The Biscuit Eater'. It doesn't feature a showstopping plot or cast, but it manages to leave nice and heartfelt feelings behind.

It is somewhat similar to other films featuring children and animals, but I feel Disney got the mix of drama and comedy just right for this - with some of their other productions, it's either too soppy or too silly but here they got it right.

Younger members of the cast Johnny Whitaker (Lonnie) and George Spell (Text) aren't incredible, but I think they actually do bounce off each other rather well - this studio have had some whinny, borderline annoying kids in the past, but I think Whitaker and Spell are two of the better ones.

Elsewhere, you have Earl Holliman in a role that I'm surprised they didn't lock onto Brian Keith - I'm sure they wanted to! Joking aside, Holliman is good as Harve. Lew Ayres (Ames) and Beah Richards (Charity) are pleasant, as is Godfrey Cambridge (Dorsey). The cast aren't anything crazy, but I rate them.

It might have a strange title, but it's worth your time.

What a cutie, the children are completely passionate and captivating, and their affection for the puppy, the cutest thing, very sweet to watch, especially with the little ones... Fluffy...

This film, while not particularly inspired, does a very good job with the story of two boys who are trying to train a bird dog. There is a nasty neighbor and a few other plot developments that throw a hitch in their plans, but the film is quietly solid all the way. It might be a little too laid back for the kids of today, but in 1972 teenagers were more tolerant.

The cast is part of the reason the film works. Johnny Whitaker, looking not much older than his days on Family Affair, and George Spell were completely convincing as friends. The wonderful Beah Richards also helps the film along as George's mother. Earl Holliman and Pat Crowley are Johnny's parents, and Holliman always could be counted on to give a great performance. It's just a small film that shines quietly.