How to Train a Dog

I luckily caught this short on TCM as I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Benchley's observations. Benchley goes to a pet store and acquires new puppies; the focus of the rest of the story is on a Scottie. He tries to teach the Scotie to roll over and ends up rolling over himself much to the amusement, he says, to the puppy. The best bit is when he tells the audience not to drink alcohol when training because under the influence a trainer is apt to get too optimistic and is apt to think he has trained the dog better than he has. There's then an animation sequence of a well trained dog. The whole short is amusing and a reminder when funny didn't have to be vulgar. It was also an interesting short for featuring a Scottie, for I remember a time - long ago - when Scotties were very popular. Haven't seen a Scottie in years but they sure were cute dogs.

Robert Benchley is in a pet store. He comes home with an arm load of puppies and one giant dog. He tries to train them, but he only shows what not to do.

Maybe Benchley is not able. He is an older guy. This is set up for him chasing after those doggies or get run over by them. I was very concerned when he brought out the giant whip with the tiny puppy. I know that it's meant to be visually hilarious. I'm not sure that dog lovers would find it funny. The easiest joke is for Benchley to be overwhelmed by the puppy chaos. He has a giant dog laying on him. Imagine if he had a dozen dogs laying on him. That's funny.

Another MGM "How To" comedy short starring Robert Benchley. In this one Benchley amusingly discusses buying and training dogs. Cute stuff but not one of Benchley's best. There really weren't any laugh-out-loud funny moments. Still, these old shorts are fun and have a lot of "window into the past" moments that I enjoy.

The witty writer and commentator is just so funny. Listen to the dialogue, as so dutifully spoken by Mr. Benchley, authoritarian?

Today's Lesson (or warning?); How to train a dog. Robert is shopping for puppies and happens upon some perky Scottish terriers.

Why not take one home and train it? Yes, it's true. This fabulous short film shows how a dog, rather, trains you before you train it. Benchley works as best as he can(?) -- with some tried and true gimmicks.

HIGHLIGHT; He cautions NOT to drink when training any dog because you may think you did a commendable job -- but you're just feeling good.

You have to admit, the cute Scotties steal the show.

Lots of writers were credited for this one, although Robert Lee probably wrote most, behind Abbott and Costello, notably ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN. Directed by veteran gagster Arthur Ripley, who made quite a team with Benchley. After retiring, Arthur was a founder of the UCLA Film School.

Always on MGM dvd with many other of Robert Benchley's winning shorts. Thanks to TCM for bringing these oldies back.

Bob Benchley's short films are some of the funniest ever made. Turner Classic Movies has played a few of them including How to Train a Dog, which I have on tape. The kids all love it, and I'm sure that if someone put a complete video together of all these wonderful shorts before they are lost, it would provide many hours of fun and an appreciation of one of America's true funny men.