The Shaggy Dog is a lighthearted wholesome family comedy shown in a black & white format. Debuting in 1959, there will be stereotypical roles and relationships demonstrated in this time capsule from a simpler era, which will most likely make this film appear dated. However, the comedic premise of this slapstick movie mixed with bumbling police officers, a hilarious psychiatrist session with a confused dad, along with a car chase scene, would make viewing this film as enjoyable today as it probably was forty-five years ago. Most notably, this classic proudly does hold a special place in Disney history as the first live action comedy motion picture that Disney produced.

Starring Fred MacMurray and a few cast members from the original Mickey Mouse Club, this film follows the hilarious adolescent adventures of a teenaged character, Wilby Daniels, who accidentally stumbles upon an ancient ring with mysterious powers, which at random moments, transforms him into an Old English Sheepdog. In order to be released from this spell, Wilby must perform a heroic act. Along with dealing with these unscheduled hair-ried changes in his physical appearance and the puppy love feelings that he and his best friend have towards the new girl in town, Wilby must also face ordeals with his father (a mailman who has developed a negative impression of dogs) and a group of spies that Wilby undercov-hair discovers has moved into his neighborhood.

Two years ago, while walking my Old English Sheepdog, a young girl came running over to us, questioning if the dog was "real" and exclaiming that he looked "just like that dog from the movie." After informing her that "Rupert" is a live puppy, I stated that "Yes, he is just like the dog in The Shaggy Dog." Looking confused at me, she replied, "No, he looks just like the dog in The Little Mermaid." After agreeing with her, I suddenly realized the huge differences in our ages. Judging from her appearance, I figured she must have been born a few years after The Little Mermaid debuted, which is the same time length between the premier of The Shaggy Dog and my birth. The thirty year gap in time not only produced an obvious difference in our ages and a differing identification to the comparison of a theme in Disney movies, but a vast understanding that there is an undiscovered pool of once popular Disney movies still waiting to be introduced to new generations of mouseketeers.