Struggling actress Julie Sawyer (a fine and sympathetic performance by Kristy McNichol) adopts a beautiful big white German shepherd that she discovers much to her horror has been trained to attack black people. Determined animal trainer Keys (a superb portrayal by Paul Winfield) decides to try to make the dog unlearn this terrible conditioning.
Director Samuel Fuller, who also co-wrote the searing script with Curtis Hanson, relates the gripping story at a constant pace, maintains a bold and confrontational tone throughout, and brings a palpable sense of anger and sadness to the grim premise. Moreover, Fuller does a remarkably convincing job of presenting the dog as a pitiable victim instead of a fearsome monster; the poor canine is clearly the toxic product of a cruel upbringing, which in turn makes the potent and provocative point that racism is a learned trait that's ingrained in one's psyche at an early age.
McNichol and especially Winfield both do sterling work in their roles. Burl Ives plays heart cigar-chomping animal sanctuary owner Carruthers with delightfully lip-smacking gusto. Popping up in nifty bits are such familiar faces as Bob Minor, Dick Miller, Paul Bartel, and even Fuller himself as Julie's agent. Kudos are also in order for Ennio Morricone's haunting melancholy score and the polished cinematography by Bruce Surtees. The five dogs who portray the titular canine all deserve props for their exceptional work. The tragic ending packs a devastating punch. By no means a comforting film, but an undeniably powerful and unsettling one.
Director Samuel Fuller, who also co-wrote the searing script with Curtis Hanson, relates the gripping story at a constant pace, maintains a bold and confrontational tone throughout, and brings a palpable sense of anger and sadness to the grim premise. Moreover, Fuller does a remarkably convincing job of presenting the dog as a pitiable victim instead of a fearsome monster; the poor canine is clearly the toxic product of a cruel upbringing, which in turn makes the potent and provocative point that racism is a learned trait that's ingrained in one's psyche at an early age.
McNichol and especially Winfield both do sterling work in their roles. Burl Ives plays heart cigar-chomping animal sanctuary owner Carruthers with delightfully lip-smacking gusto. Popping up in nifty bits are such familiar faces as Bob Minor, Dick Miller, Paul Bartel, and even Fuller himself as Julie's agent. Kudos are also in order for Ennio Morricone's haunting melancholy score and the polished cinematography by Bruce Surtees. The five dogs who portray the titular canine all deserve props for their exceptional work. The tragic ending packs a devastating punch. By no means a comforting film, but an undeniably powerful and unsettling one.