My Dog the Thief (1969)

My Dog the Thief Poster

As ratings for Jack Crandall's lifeless airborne traffic reports plummet, a super-size St. Bernard on the lam stows away in his chopper. Crandall's new co-pilot helps send ratings sky-high, but the canine's chronic kleptomania generates girl trouble, jewel thievery, and loads of laughs.

Film Introduction
"My Dog the Thief" is a 1969 American funny movie directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney Productions. Composed by Vic Crume, Mary Jane Mangler and Ted Key, this movie revolves around the unanticipated adventures of a helicopter traffic reporter and a kleptomaniac dog that alters his life. Despite being a light-hearted movie, this film discreetly explores themes of friendship, love, and the concept of unforeseen heroes.

Main Characters and Storyline
The film's lead character, Jack Crandle, played by Dwayne Hickman, is a traffic reporter for a regional radio station in Southern California. Understood for his unexpected antics and funny broadcasts, Jack attempts to keep the rankings high while handling a failed love life. His life takes an unforeseen turn when a big St. Bernard canine nicknamed "Barabbas" hitches a ride in his helicopter. Barabbas, known for his hard-to-handle kleptomaniac habits, was on the run from the police after taking a priceless French pastry dish.

Twist in the Tale
Hijinks occur when it's discovered that Barabbas has actually swallowed the microfilm holding the indispensable dish. With French chef Paul Durand and his henchmen hot on the path of Barabbas to recover the dish, Jack recruits the help of associate and love interest Kim Shelton, played by Mary Ann Mobley, to safeguard their four-legged good friend. Barabbas, with his propensity for theft, continues producing chaos by taking products from traffic accidents and causing disturbances anywhere he goes.

Romantic Dynamics and Unfolding Drama
Jack's platonic relationship with Kim eventually evolves into a romantic one as they collaborate to keep Barabbas safe. Durand and his henchmen persist in their attempts to recapture Barabbas and retrieve the dish, resulting in several comedic minutes and ridiculous chases after. Jack's battle to keep control of the scenario and keep his job amidst his employer's increasing frustrations includes a stressful angle to the story.

Comic Climax and Conclusion
The climax of the film occurs in the middle of the Orange Bowl parade, where Jack covers traffic from his helicopter. In a frenzied series of occasions, Barabbas's kleptomania results in a wild chase caught by news video cameras, bringing nationwide attention and a substantial boost in scores for the radio station. Despite the comic turmoil, the film ends on a happy note with Jack and Kim ending up being heroes, Barabbas finding a loving house, and Durand and his henchmen apprehended.

General Review
"My Dog the Thief" is a wonderful comedy, filled with slapstick action and light-hearted enjoyable. In spite of its easy storyline, its charming characters, entertaining dialogues, and scenes filled with comic turmoil keep the viewer entertained. The film stands as proof of Disney's knack for turning the most extraordinary circumstances into entertaining and heart-warming stories. The film, featuring a naughty pet and eccentric human characters, highlights the olden saying that a pet is certainly a man's best friend, specifically when in need.

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