The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby

2005

1h 44m

IMDb RATING

5.4/10

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Drama

Family

This is the true story of a little dog that refused to leave his master's graveside in Edinburgh. The dog visited the grave for years.

Directors

John Henderson

Writers

John Henderson(writer by)

Neville Watchurst(writer by)

Stars

Gina McKee

Sean Pertwee

Greg Wise

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Top cast

Maureen Gray

Duncan Smithie

Minister Lee

James Brown

Laurie

The Lord Provost

Cecil Johnson

Judge

Constable John Gray

Sergeant Scott (as William MacBain)

Kirsty Mitchell

Ada Adams

Ardal O'Hanlon

Coconut Tam

Directors

John Henderson

Writers

John Henderson(writer by)

Neville Watchurst(writer by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Though this isn't a great dramatisation of the famous tale of Edinburgh lore, there's no getting way from the charm of the true story it's based on. "Bobby" is a scruffy looking terrier who steadfastly refuses to leave the graveside of his late master. Despite the best efforts of the cemetery keeper "James" (James Cosmo) to evict him, the dog persists, and gradually becomes quite a useful tool for vermin control. This doesn't convince the nasty "Johnson" (Ronald Pickup) who is determined to see the back of the little yapper. Eventually, he seeks recourse to the law of the land - and with doom looming, it falls to the children of the city to appeal to the Lord Provost (Christopher Lee). He's the Queen's representative and perhaps he can help? What really put me off here was the light. It's clearly been done on a budget, but it's not been done very well and with the rain showers clearly emanating from hoses the whole thing has a sort of yellowy hue that's oddly sterile to watch. Director John Henderson has assembled a decent enough cast of British regulars, though, and there's an engaging effort from newcomer Oliver Golding as his would-be saviour "Ewan" who must undergo the strains of oakum picking and his own tragedy, but still determines to keep the wee dog safe. There's a nice score from Mark Thomas to accompany it and though not really very memorable, it's still a decent rendition to watch on the television.

Geronimo196720 May, 2024