The Man Who Wagged His Tail (1957)

Introduction to "The Man Who Wagged His Tail"
"The Man Who Wagged His Tail" is an Italian-Spanish fantasy-comedy film from 1957, directed by Ladislao Vajda. The film provides a whimsical yet moralistic tale that intertwines human nature with a bit of the supernatural. Its initial title in Italian is "L'uomo che Wagava la Coda", and the film stars noteworthy actors like Peter Ustinov and Aroldo Tieri. It is adapted from an unique with the same name, using an unique story that has actually been mostly overshadowed in cinematic history.

Plot Synopsis
The plot of "The Man Who Wagged His Tail" revolves around the protagonist, Peter, played by Peter Ustinov. Peter is a grumpy manager of an insurance provider who is known for his bad mood and cruelty towards both his staff members and the other residents in the structure where he lives. His undesirable behavior has actually led him to live a lonely, unloved life.

The story takes a wonderful twist when an angel, played by Pablito Calvo, pays attention to Peter's mean-spirited methods and chooses to step in. The angel makes a bet with Peter that if he can live for three months as a canine-- an animal known for its loyalty and affection-- and make the love of at least 2 people that do not have any vested interest in him, he will be permitted to reassume his human kind. If he stops working, he will stay a canine permanently.

Characters and Themes
As the transformed Peter navigates life with his newfound tail, the movie explores themes of compassion, redemption, and the human capacity for modification. In his canine guise, Peter experiences the world from a various point of view; he is on the getting end of both kindness and cruelty, further lit up by his interactions with human beings who are unaware of his real identity.

Ustinov's performance is central to the film, and he brings both humor and depth to the character of Peter. His evolution-- from disdainful human to a pet dog discovering life's lessons-- drives the narrative forward. The angel, portrayed by Calvo, works as both a guardian and an ethical compass, pressing Peter to see beyond his own requirements and embrace a more generous life.

Visuals and Direction
The instructions by Ladislao Vajda is competent, and he guides the film to stabilize the fantastical elements with the more serious undertones about human habits. The 1950s production values use a nostalgic appeal to the movie, with a mix of on-location shooting and studio sets that ground the fantastical elements in a realistic world.

Social Commentary and Humor
As Peter encounters various people throughout his canine experience, the motion picture utilizes his experiences as a social commentary on the attitudes of society towards outsiders and those perceived as less fortunate. The humor in the movie is both situational and character-driven, with Ustinov leveraging his impressive comedic timing and skills to breathe life into his character, even without the ability to speak.

Conclusion
"The Man Who Wagged His Tail" is a film that stabilizes its fantastical premise with human drama, all the while managing to amuse and provoke thought amongst its viewers. The story is a distinct mix of funny and fantasy, with a moralistic underpinning that encourages audiences to think about the impact of their actions on others. While it may not be the most well-known film of its age, its messages about generosity, the capacity for individual transformation, and the power of love remain timeless and universal. The movie stands as a testimony to the concept that even the hardest hearts can learn to wag a tail with the ideal point of view and experiences.

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