White Dog (English, 1982)

Samuel Fuller’s adaptation of Romain Gary’s novel of the same name, is replete with metaphors that highlight the horrors of racism. His script written with Curtis Hanson (of L.A. Confidential & 8 Mile fame) has a fabulous flow to it that it keeps the audience hooked right from start to finish.

Kristy McNichol plays the young actress who adopts the dog. Her emotions towards it before learning of its ferociousness, and after are enacted extremely well which very dog-lover can resonate to. Burl Ives fits the role of Carruthers,the affable owner of an animal training organization,to a T.

Renowned actor Paul Winfield plays the all-important role of Keys, the trainer who attempts to control the dog and remove its inherent hatred of the Black people. His sequences with the dog are thrilling & made brilliantly. He displays admirable conviction to re-educate the dog.

Cinematography by the acclaimed Bruce Surtees, is monumental. The camera work and the background score by the master Ennio Morricone, combine perfectly to give goosebumps each & every single time the dog runs in teeth-barring towards the viewer.The ending while being a touch controversial, is certainly outstanding in the way it is filmed.