Here is an absolute rare joy. "Dogpound Shuffle" represents a special treat for lovers of tough, yet thoughtful 'dog' related stories. Writer, Director, Jeffery Bloom has created a very different kind of warm, dramatic, and touching movie about those who have fallen from life's fortunes.
Mr Bloom was fortunate enough to bring together the prolific NYC born producer: Elliot Kastner and UK born Denis Holt (AKF: "Becket" '64) combined with Lew Grade, enabling him to bring his own story to the screen. Paramount in the USA seems to have given this film its only known theatrical release in 1975. Unfortunately, it seems the rest of the world discovered its special charms via Television releases. The highly talented British song and dance man Ron Moody is cast as a character known as 'Steps' and amiable young American David Soul (playing the part of Pritt) are about as unlikely a pair imaginable to be brought together for a film such as this. Both work exceptionally well together indeed.
The Dog in question (Spot) an absolute trooper belongs to 'Steps' (Moody) a down-and-out ex-Broadway star. Moody is perfectly cast as the disgruntled has-been tapper. Steps is out looking for his next meal and lodging for the night, usually gained by busking in bars and on street corners with his talented faithful friend. Along comes equally broke Soul, who happens to play a 'mean' Harmonica and, an unlikely 'partnership' just might be possible.
Award-nominated British Cinematographer Gerry Fisher captures the, at times bleak, Canadian locations to the point of making the viewer feel we have joined the intrepid trio on their varied locations. The music score by pop man David 'Dave' White, who started out as a member of the 60's group: Danny and the Juniors...then went on to compose and produce various chart toppers and film scores, adds a nice bounce to this very original story.
The Paramount theatrical film version is rated PG for a particularly nasty fight scene that involves Moody, Soul, and a thuggish dog pound attendant - yet a DVD version I bought from ITV is oddly rated G!. A slightly disappointing aspect of the ITV DVD release is a cut made to the closing scene...where 'Steps' says to Pritt; Quote: "Ya know, I've been thinkin' (then pauses) Pritt says... "Well, you gonna tell me or not?. Steps continues... "I've been doin' a lot of thinkin', Broadway is out, there is no more Broadway, not like it was anyway, Hollywood, hell, that place was taken over 10 years ago by the queers, so I been thinkin', maybe there is a place, someplace, for us"... The above scene has been disappointingly expunged from the DVD.
Leaves me wondering who had this cut from the DVD version, and why...was it for Political Correctness? Was it instigated by certain Cancel Culture pressure groups? This character's statement was made not as a form of malice but as a matter-of-fact observation, from someone who had lived through the ever-changing social conditions during his showbiz working days. Writers can, and generally do draw from their experiences within the industry. So if the quote was made from the point of view of the writer's own experiences--with regard to certain difficulties and pressures involved in getting particular projects off the ground-- then why should it be removed. No matter what your personal feelings are regarding this edit, it has the tendency to weaken part of the overall narrative.
This edit won't bother those who have not seen the original film version but if you're lucky enough to locate an earlier issue, check it out. I see there was an earlier release from Playhouse Video, maybe that has this scene intact (?) If not, hang on to those older film prints. Maybe someone, someday, just might shed more light on this? That said, I can certainly recommend this film to anyone who loves an offbeat 'dog' story featuring realistic situations, and is also smart enough to balance both humour and social drama with excellent results. Watch for an excellent performance from Pamela McMyler (then wife of the writer/director) playing the receptionist at the Dog Pound! She is great, and we should have seen her in many more films - someone in the industry missed out there!
The ITV DVD is quite good quality and features a commentary by the writer/director.
