Tale of a Dog Poster

Tale of a Dog 1944

★ 6.02 votes11 min📅 1944-04-15

In the 1944 comedy classic *Tale of a Dog*, Cy Endfield crafts a whimsical short film brimming with the playful energy of the era.

Director: Cy Endfield

Cast

Billie Thomas
Billie Thomas
Buckwheat Thomas
Billy Laughlin
Billy Laughlin
Froggy Laughlin
Janet Burston
Janet Burston
Janet
Robert Blake
Robert Blake
Mickey Blake
Cordell Hickman
Cordell Hickman
Big Shot Jones
Dickie Hall
Frank Ward
Margaret Bert
Gossiper (voice)
Anita Sharp-Bolster
Anita Sharp-Bolster
Gossiper
Willa Pearl Curtis
Buckwheat's Mother

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tale of a Dog (1944) about?

*Tale of a Dog* follows Bigshot Jones as he gives his stray dog to the All-For-One Club, but Buckwheat's playful nickname "Smallpox" for the pup sets off a chain reaction of city-wide confusion. What begins as a harmless joke quickly spirals into uproarious chaos, poking fun at the absurdity of miscommunication.

Who directed Tale of a Dog?

The film was directed by Cy Endfield, a filmmaker known for his versatility across genres, from comedy to drama.

Who stars in Tale of a Dog?

The film stars Billie Thomas, Billy Laughlin, Janet Burston, Robert Blake, and Cordell Hickman in key roles.

Is Tale of a Dog (1944) worth watching?

*Tale of a Dog* is a delightful slice of mid-century comedy, offering quick laughs and nostalgic charm in just 11 minutes. While it may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, its lighthearted absurdity makes it a fun watch for fans of classic family films.

How long is Tale of a Dog?

The short film runs for 11 minutes.

About Tale of a Dog (1944) — A Classic Short Comedy About a Dog and a Name Mix-Up

In the 1944 comedy classic *Tale of a Dog*, Cy Endfield crafts a whimsical short film brimming with the playful energy of the era. The story follows Bigshot Jones as he entrusts his stray dog to the All-For-One Club, only for the mischievous Buckwheat to bestow the unwanted nickname "Smallpox" on the poor pup. What begins as a simple act of kindness spirals into an absurd city-wide frenzy, as the innocent mistake ignites panic and laughter in equal measure. Endfield's direction infuses the 11-minute runtime with lighthearted chaos, blending slapstick humor with the warm, nostalgic charm of classic family entertainment.

The film's comedic core lies in its absurdity, as a single mislabeled dog disrupts a community's composure with hilarious consequences. With a cast led by the iconic child stars of the Our Gang series—Billie Thomas, Billy Laughlin, and Janet Burston—*Tale of a Dog* captures the spirit of mid-century humor, where laughter and heartwarming moments go hand in hand.