Greyfriars Bobby (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greyfriars Bobby |
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Official theatrical poster
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| Directed by | Don Chaffey |
| Produced by |
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| Written by | Robert Westerby |
| Starring |
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| Music by | Francis Chagrin |
| Cinematography | Paul Beeson |
| Editing by | Peter Tanner |
| Studio | Walt Disney Productions |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Distribution |
| Release date(s) | July 17, 1961 |
| Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Greyfriars Bobby is a heartwarming 1961 movie from Walt Disney Productions. It tells the true-ish story of a loyal Skye Terrier dog named Bobby. The film is about two Scottish men, played by Donald Crisp and Laurence Naismith, who both want to care for Bobby.
The story is based on a famous 1912 book by Eleanor Atkinson. This book was inspired by a real dog in 19th-century Edinburgh, Scotland, known as Greyfriars Bobby. The movie was filmed in Scotland and at Shepperton Studios. You can watch it on DVD or Disney+.
Contents
The Story of Bobby the Dog
The movie begins with a small Skye Terrier dog named Bobby. He lives on a Scottish farm with a farmer and his wife. But Bobby's best friend is an old shepherd named Auld Jock, who works on the farm.
When the farm faces money problems, Auld Jock loses his job. He travels to Edinburgh, and loyal Bobby follows him. Sadly, Auld Jock passes away in Edinburgh and is buried in Greyfriar's Kirkyard, a churchyard. Every night, Bobby returns to Auld Jock's grave to sleep.
Bobby's New Friends
The graveyard caretaker, James Brown, tries to make Bobby leave. But Bobby always finds his way back to the grave. Soon, Bobby becomes very popular with everyone, especially the children in the neighborhood.
Mr. Brown and a restaurant owner, Mr. Traill, both want to look after Bobby. Mr. Brown says that Mr. Traill should pay for Bobby's dog license. However, Mr. Traill refuses because he says he is not Bobby's owner.
Bobby Goes to Court
Mr. Traill is called to court for a hearing about Bobby's license. He pleads not guilty. Mr. Brown is also there, but he pretends to be sick. Mr. Traill is told to come back the next day, and Bobby must come too.
Bobby's future depends on the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. If Bobby doesn't have a license and someone to take responsibility for him, he might be put down. The children of Edinburgh decide to help. They collect their pennies to pay for Bobby's license.
In the end, Bobby is declared a "Freeman of the City." This means he is adopted by all the people of Edinburgh and can live freely and safely.
Meet the Cast
- Donald Crisp as James Brown
- Laurence Naismith as Mr. Traill
- Alex Mackenzie as Auld Jock
- Duncan Macrae as Sgt. Davie Maclean
- Andrew Cruickshank as Lord Provost
- Gordon Jackson as Farmer
- Rosalie Crutchley as Farmer's Wife
- Freda Jackson as Old Woman Caretaker
- Moultrie Kelsall as Magistrate
- Joyce Carey as First Lady
- Vincent Winter as Tammy
- Jameson Clark as Constable
- Jack Lambert as Doctor
- Bruce Seton as Prosecutor
- Joan Juliet Buck as Ailie
- Hamish Wilson as Hamish
- Kay Walsh as Mrs. Brown
Comic Book Fun
The story of Greyfriars Bobby was also made into a comic book! Dell published an adaptation in their Four Color series, issue #1189, in November 1961.
