L'Orphelin et son chien

I have not read the original novel this movie is based on, so I can't say if this movie is better or worse than its source material. But I can judge the movie on its own merits. The movie does have a number of strengths. It looks pretty nice, filmed on location in the Netherlands and Belgium with some good photography. The acting is also pretty good, with a child protagonist that (thank goodness) is not annoying, and the adult actors also doing well. The movie also has some positive messages, ranging from kindness to animals to encouraging people to stick to their dreams and never giving up.

So what goes wrong with the movie to make it not worth a recommendation? Well, to put it bluntly, the movie is quite dull. It's very slow-moving; you have to wait until more than halfway through before some serious problems come up for the characters. And even from that point on, the movie's energy level still remains quite low. I'm certainly not asking for blazing action and suspense that's found in today's hyper-kinetic family films, but I think the story could have been made to be more engaging. Too bad - there are some nice things about this movie, but in the end it's a miss.

On May 30th, 1640, the great Flemish Painter, Peter Paul Rubens, died leaving a plethora of great works. It is among these masterpieces, The Raising of the Cross, which became the foundation of perhaps one of the most beloved Hollywood films of all time. The movie is called " A Dog of Flanders " and is directed by James B. Clark. " It tells the story of a young boy named Nello Dass (David Ladd) who with his grandfather, Jehan (Donald Crisp) reside in the city of Antwerp and make a modest living delivering milk. Nello does his best to aid his aging, ailing grandfather, who plans of sending the boy to sea or have him become an apprentice miller. Nello on the other hand dreams of one day becoming a great artist like Rubens. Unfortunately, their poverty prevents their ambitions. Instead,during their delivery rounds, they discover a badly abused cart dog lying in a ditch. With care and compassion they nurse the dog back to health and with the new name Patrasche, becomes part of the impoverished family. However, several obstacles confront Nello, namely, his grandfather's sudden death and the cruel former owner of the dog returns to claim him. Theodore Bikel plays Piet van Gelder, is the gruffy painter who befriends the boy and does a remarkable job of adding sympathetic cohesion to this story. With a touch of humanity, love and endearment, the audience is allowed a moment to believe that a single act of kindness can bring tears and inner joy. Easily Recommended to all. ****

Early effort of producer Robert Radnitz (SOUNDER, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS) is distinguished by colorful location photography (in the Netherlands), fine acting and an uncondescending script.

David Ladd (son of Alan) gives a believable, unmannered performance as the orphan boy with artistic longings, and veteran Donald Crisp shines, as always, as his loving grandfather. Character actor Theodore Bikel is also an asset, playing the prickly artist who somewhat reluctantly takes the boy under his wing.

Dog-lovers should note that the title canine's role in this story is important yet not central, serving mainly to set the plot in motion. But it's a lovable pooch nonetheless, and goes through its paces with perfect doggish realism, a tribute to its skilled handlers and a refreshing change of pace from such modern CGI manipulations as SNOW DOGS.

This film is unflinching in its portrayal of what can be a harsh and uncaring world, and younger and/or sensitive children may find it tough going before the ultimately happy ending. My daughter saw this when she was 8; two-thirds of the way into it she was weeping openly and was only somewhat mollified by the heart-warming conclusion. Recommended for 10 and up.

Fans of the movie "Old Yeller" nay be interested in knowing that the same dog who played the title role in that movie, plays the title role in this version of "A Dog of Flanders".

The dog trainer on this movie is Frank Weatherwax, the brother of Lassie's trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.

Fans of "Lassie Come Home" (1942) may notice that Donald Crisp, who played the father in that movie, plays David Ladd's father here. Donald Crisp had roles in three "Lassie" movies, and was also in Disney's "Greyfriars Bobby".

Donald Crisp has a long history with dogs. He himself was the owner of "Strongheart", a German shepherd who stared in several silent movies.

Wax

Here is the classic Flemmish version of the "boy and his dog" tale as young Nello, apparently about 11 or 12, struggles to establish his identity as an artist amidst adverse circumstances. David Ladd, Alan Ladd's son, plays the protagonist: he was 13 at the time, but somehow managed to play an 8-year-old in his next film! Anyway, this is the real story, without all the silly, sappy and frankly unbelievable stuff and coincidences gratuitously added in the Disney version of 1999. Even the dog is more convincing! David Ladd is quite good, though his emotions seem a bit forced at times and he's certainly not "one of the greatest child actors of all time" as his filmography touts. Donald Crisp as the grandfather and a so-young Theodore Bikel as the temperamental artist both offer excellent performances. Perhaps life was indeed harder then, and as the late Douglas Adams would point out, digital watches had not been invented, but children were still considered PEOPLE: they could work for a living, enjoy the fruits of their labor, and even live alone if they chose -- or with a dog. All that is gone now. Am I the only one who questions that this is "progress"?