The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby

Unlike the user who left the comment below after obviously taking his FACTS from the older version of Greyfriars Bobby,i find this film to be mostly correct to real events. For instance 'Old Jock' was not a pauper who came to Edinburgh,he was in fact a family man who came to Edinburgh as a gardener and not having much luck in work was forced to find a job as a policeman.He was in the force for 5 years before he died leaving behind a son.Bobby was his watchdog which he was told to get being a nightwatchman. He was one of the longest serving policeman even though he was only in the force for 5 years. Bobby was a Skye terrier,very similar to the dog in the film. Obviously some facts are exaggerated to improve film summary,i found it to be a good all round family film.I have visited Bobby's grave on several occasions as well as John Grey's and I still find myself smiling at this story.

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.

Took my 2 boys aged 8 and 5 to see it and they loved it.Gerry Cott who trained Bobby did a wonderful job.Bobbys antics were hilarious and he really captured the heart of the audience. Cinema had an audience aged from 1 to approx. 75 and everyone leaving at end only had good things to say. The scenery is amazing and being able to recognise places made the film even more special. Ardal O'Hanlon,Christopher Lee and James Cosmo all played excellent parts. This film pulls at the heart strings and you feel for the characters so much more than you do in most new releases. As for my two,they applauded Bobbys final act to the baddies and we are going back for a second viewing this week.

This film is simply amazing! the cast are wonderful especially Young Oliver Golding and Christie Mitchell! A Must see film! The way that they have been able to step into the characters shoes! The dog in the film is Adorable! I was amazed to see how real the set looked. i was astonished to see that Olivers name was not on the cast list, he was the main part i was assured by the website. I wasn't sure how many dogs were used during this film but they all looked identical! I will be first in the queue to book my tickets for this film it is superb!!! A++++++++++. I think that the cast should be very proud with their film as the trailer showed a wonderful result!!!!

Although the film appears to be rather ordinary to some, it is the essence of the film, loyalty and dedication, that deserves a rating of 10. While observing the film, the severe winter could be felt. The abject poverty under which Bobby's master lived led to thinking that Bobby understood since he too, was subjected to the harshness of such a life of meager meals and shelter. The wonder of it was startling that such sensitivity was ingrained in Bobby's, humble, sublime character. Whether displayed in an expensive production or a low-budget film, Bobby's devotion to his master, is luminescent, radiating beyond the screen. It is "enduring" and that after all, is what makes a film memorable.