Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Polly M. Robertus

Disney's first live-action comedy follows the hairy adventures of young Wilby (Tommy Kirk), who stumbles upon an enchanted ring with an inscription. When Wilby reads the inscription, he turns into a large shaggy dog and the only way he can put a stop to the uncontrollable canine transformations is to do a good deed. But Wilby faces a major problem in the form of two Soviet spies, and things really get complicated when he accidentally sets off a rocket in the basement. Like any good Disney feature, there is plenty of comic misunderstanding and wild Keystone Cop-like chases.

Is It Any Good?

4

Although the pace lags at times, THE SHAGGY DOG remains entertaining. Fine performances by several of the Mouseketeers and Fred McMurray as a dog-phobic father will charm school-age kids and their nostalgic parents. The movie offers a fascinating peek at how 1950s Americans saw the world.

Eleven- and 7-year-old viewers were almost equally amused by The Shaggy Dog, though both grew restless at times as the many plot-wheels gradually meshed. But Wilby's antics as Chiffon, the "Bratislavian Sheepdog," will genuinely entertain young viewers. Parents can have little objection to this well-behaved, clean-cut feature.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.