The Ugly Dachshund

The Ugly Dachshund is a light-hearted 1966 comedy that will delight dog lovers and film enthusiasts alike. Disney Studios brought this fun-filled family adventure to the silver screen with star-studded performances from the likes of Dean Jones, Suzanne Pleshette, and Charles Ruggles. With its nostalgic charm and endearing storyline, The Ugly Dachshund stands as a timeless classic that offers a wholesome entertainment package for all age groups.

The plot centers on Mark Garrison (Dean Jones), a successful magazine illustrator, and his wife Fran (Suzanne Pleshette), a dyed-in-the-wool dachshund lover, who try to manage their lives in the upper-class suburban surroundings of the 1960s. As a well-matched couple, they share a pleasant lifestyle and harmonious relationship - that is, until their little home starts bursting at the seams with a particularly unique quartet of puppies!

The intrigue begins as Fran's beloved dachshund, Danke, gives birth at the local veterinary clinic. While Mark is there, Dr. Pruitt (Charles Ruggles), a quirky but wise old vet, manages to convince him to adopt a lovable Great Dane puppy that’s just lost its mother. However, engrossed in the excitement of Danke's newborns, Fran mistakenly assumes that the Great Dane is also a dachshund.

As the delightful quartet of pups grow, it becomes abundantly clear that the ‘ugly dachshund’ in question is in fact, a playful Great Dane. The incongruity of the dog's size as it stands among its actual dachshund ‘siblings’ serves as a constant source of comedy, unleashing a train of hilarious incidents that shake up the quiet suburban life of the Garrison household. As the Great Dane, Brutus, grows into a large, lovable, but incredibly clumsy adult dog, he still wholeheartedly believes that he is a dachshund - albeit a very large one - leading to a series further comical situations.

Jones and Pleshette portray their characters with impeccable comic timing and realism, their performance bolstered by the heartwarming bond between humans and dogs. Jones, in his portrayal of a patient and understanding pet parent, expertly brings out the love, frustration and joy that pet owners everywhere experience. Pleshette stands out as the feisty Fran who, despite her constant chagrin at Brutus’s antics, presents an undying affection for her pets.

Charles Ruggles delivers a memorable performance as Dr. Pruitt whose wisdom and care add a delightful twist to the plot. His role magnifies the underlying sense of humor within the film, but also gently reminds us of the lifelong commitment and responsibility that pet ownership brings.

Apart from the human cast, the real stars of the show are the dogs themselves. Brutus, the Great Dane, with his earnestness and gentle giant charm, will quickly win you over. Meanwhile, the three dachshunds – Wilhelmina, Heidi, and Chloe – couldn’t be more mischievous and thoroughly entertaining, as they hoodwink poor Brutus into taking the blame for their whimsical chaos.

Through the laughs and heartwarming scenes, The Ugly Dachshund subtly instills lessons about acceptance, compassion, and understanding. It’s a story of identity and acceptance, wrapped in whimsical humor that truly hits its mark. It explores the dynamics of the dog pack, the family, and the society they live in — a metaphor for any group where differences may lie.

Directed by Norman Tokar, known for his adept handling of family dramas, and supported by Walt Disney Studios' well-known production strengths, The Ugly Dachshund has all the hallmarks of a classic Disney comedy. It unfolds with an enjoyable balance of laughter and sentiment, melded into a seamless storytelling experience.

The film captures the mid-1960s suburban milieu, complete with meticulously designed costumes and stunning vintage sets. This period detail adds a resplendent charm to the narrative, transporting audiences back in time and allowing for them to lose themselves in the nostalgic era of yesteryears.

In summary, The Ugly Dachshund unfolds a charming tale of sincere affection, comic misunderstandings and mischief-filled days in the life of the Garrison family. It is not just a delightful comedy with lovable dogs and captivating performances, but also a film that warmly touches on universal themes of acceptance and love. It's a movie that stands the test of time and continues to entertain families even decades after its release.