La ballata dei vagabondi

Here is an absolute rare joy. "Dogpound Shuffle" represents a special treat for lovers of tough, yet thoughtful 'dog' related stories. Writer, Director, Jeffery Bloom has created a very different kind of warm, dramatic, and touching movie about those who have fallen from life's fortunes.

Mr Bloom was fortunate enough to bring together the prolific NYC born producer: Elliot Kastner and UK born Denis Holt (AKF: "Becket" '64) combined with Lew Grade, enabling him to bring his own story to the screen. Paramount in the USA seems to have given this film its only known theatrical release in 1975. Unfortunately, it seems the rest of the world discovered its special charms via Television releases. The highly talented British song and dance man Ron Moody is cast as a character known as 'Steps' and amiable young American David Soul (playing the part of Pritt) are about as unlikely a pair imaginable to be brought together for a film such as this. Both work exceptionally well together indeed.

The Dog in question (Spot) an absolute trooper belongs to 'Steps' (Moody) a down-and-out ex-Broadway star. Moody is perfectly cast as the disgruntled has-been tapper. Steps is out looking for his next meal and lodging for the night, usually gained by busking in bars and on street corners with his talented faithful friend. Along comes equally broke Soul, who happens to play a 'mean' Harmonica and, an unlikely 'partnership' just might be possible.

Award-nominated British Cinematographer Gerry Fisher captures the, at times bleak, Canadian locations to the point of making the viewer feel we have joined the intrepid trio on their varied locations. The music score by pop man David 'Dave' White, who started out as a member of the 60's group: Danny and the Juniors...then went on to compose and produce various chart toppers and film scores, adds a nice bounce to this very original story.

The Paramount theatrical film version is rated PG for a particularly nasty fight scene that involves Moody, Soul, and a thuggish dog pound attendant - yet a DVD version I bought from ITV is oddly rated G!. A slightly disappointing aspect of the ITV DVD release is a cut made to the closing scene...where 'Steps' says to Pritt; Quote: "Ya know, I've been thinkin' (then pauses) Pritt says... "Well, you gonna tell me or not?. Steps continues... "I've been doin' a lot of thinkin', Broadway is out, there is no more Broadway, not like it was anyway, Hollywood, hell, that place was taken over 10 years ago by the queers, so I been thinkin', maybe there is a place, someplace, for us"... The above scene has been disappointingly expunged from the DVD.

Leaves me wondering who had this cut from the DVD version, and why...was it for Political Correctness? Was it instigated by certain Cancel Culture pressure groups? This character's statement was made not as a form of malice but as a matter-of-fact observation, from someone who had lived through the ever-changing social conditions during his showbiz working days. Writers can, and generally do draw from their experiences within the industry. So if the quote was made from the point of view of the writer's own experiences--with regard to certain difficulties and pressures involved in getting particular projects off the ground-- then why should it be removed. No matter what your personal feelings are regarding this edit, it has the tendency to weaken part of the overall narrative.

This edit won't bother those who have not seen the original film version but if you're lucky enough to locate an earlier issue, check it out. I see there was an earlier release from Playhouse Video, maybe that has this scene intact (?) If not, hang on to those older film prints. Maybe someone, someday, just might shed more light on this? That said, I can certainly recommend this film to anyone who loves an offbeat 'dog' story featuring realistic situations, and is also smart enough to balance both humour and social drama with excellent results. Watch for an excellent performance from Pamela McMyler (then wife of the writer/director) playing the receptionist at the Dog Pound! She is great, and we should have seen her in many more films - someone in the industry missed out there!

The ITV DVD is quite good quality and features a commentary by the writer/director.

This film was most entertaining and well worth watching. The fact that Ron Moody was a principle player is almost a guarantee of a good film. This film concerns the adventures (or misadventures) of Moody who has lost his pet dog. He teams up with a drifter (David Soul) and together they hunt for the lost pooch. Their efforts get them into a series of predicaments one of which gets Soul a beating at the hands of the dogpound attendant ( a big brutal looking man). The beating was not in vain as they find out where the dog is. Another (not as hazardous) situation, has both men being asked to provide entertainment at a large house owned by one of the local bigwigs. Earlier Moody and Soul had strutted their stuff in a downtown bar. Moody the song and dance man and Soul accompanying him with his harmonica. They earned a few dollars ( both men being broke ) and also gained the attention of the son of the the bigwig. He invites them to perform at a party which his father is giving the following evening. They agree but only after substantial financial rewards are promised. They prove to be a resounding success and fortified with food and money continue the search for the dog. Eventually the whereabouts of the dog is located but the new owner is not prepared to give up the dog. Moody, who is also a drifter, is a most persuasive character ( a "skill" he has acquired via his many years on the road) and he has little trouble in tricking the reluctant new owner into parting with the dog. The film ends with Moody and Soul making plans for their future together. See it, I,m sure you will find it very entertaining and a nice departure from so many humdrum offerings.

Lew Grade had to step down as a director of ATV when he reached the age of 70 so he decided to go into the production of films,more's the pity. He inflicted some truly awful films on cinemagoers,including Raise the Titanic,which eventual him and his company.

This however was a totally delightful film starting the great Tom Moody and scruffy the dog. Moody proved to be a fantastic dancer in this film.

Even if you are not a dog owner of lover you will really enjoy this film.

So what did Lee Grades do? He sold the film to television so it never got a cinema showing. His judgement clearly failed him,but given his many poor decisions it is little surprise.

I watched this film last night, I found it very engaging . Not much of a story by modern day standards. It was easy going on the mind and soul. Two good actors not crowding each other out. David Soul played the kind hearted dim wit, Ron Moody the worldly wise con man with a great love of his dog and his dancing ability. (I was greatly impressed with his dancing ability).

While the film may be slow for modern tastes it as OK for me. The fight scene was well acted. I did like the latter scene with the escaped dogs. I also enjoyed the two leads conning the wife to open her door to rescue Steps dog. Also the happy ending.

A film about a likeable tramp that loses his beloved dog to the pound. Another loser befriends him and together they fight for the return Of the tramps dog. The tramp goes to high-class restaurants and dances to get his dog Spot from the pound, passing his hat around at the end. He then has to face the bureaucratic robots (people that run the dog pound) to get his dog. I guess me being a dog lover I loved the film very much. It was acted so well, heart warming and a great film for children to know that they have to care for their pets. Just one thing wrong though. I have searched for this video for years and up to this very day I cannot find it. I have watched many films but Dog Pound Shuffle is one of my favourite movies. Naturally not as exciting as an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie but what I term a very heartwarming story about people who care. Definitely worth viewing