Scruffy (1938 film)
{{For|the animated film|Scruffy (1980 film)}}
{{Short description|1938 British film by Randall Faye}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2016}}
Scruffy is a 1938 British comedy family film directed by Randall Faye and starring Jack Melford, Billy Merson and Peter Gawthorne.{{Cite web |title=Scruffy |url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150272431 |access-date=22 December 2023 |website=British Film Institute Collections Search}} A young boy runs away from his wealthy home, and thanks to his dog Scruffy, ends up living with a burglar.
Plot
Young orphan Michael is adopted by rich Mrs Pottinger as a playmate for Adam, her spoilt only child. Because Mrs Pottinger does not like dogs, Michael must leave his beloved dog Scruffy behind at the orphanage. Micheal hates his new home. On Christmas Eve two of the boys from the orphanage bring Scruffy to see Michael. Michael and Scruffy run away meeting young burglar Jim. Michael moves into the barge Jim shares with his friend Golly. A policeman recognises Michael, and Jim and Golly are arrested for abduction. They promise to go straight and Michael is allowed to remain with them.
Cast
- Jack Melford as Jim
- Billy Merson as Golly
- Toni Edgar-Bruce as Mrs. Pottinger
- Michael Gainsborough as Michael
- MacArthur Gordon as Hoskins
- Chris McMaster as Adam
- Peter Gawthorne as chairman
- Joan Ponsford as Judy
- Roddy McDowall (age 10) as befriended boy (uncredited)
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This slight and naive story is full of improbabilities. The pace is very slow, and the dialogue heavy and unnatural. In spite of these defects the film 'gets away with it' for all but the very critical. Scruffy is a most engaging mongrel; Michael Gainsborough a delightfully natural small boy, who does not attempt to act, and Jack Melford a pleasant hero. The settings include some attractive pictures of the Thames, where the barge is moored; an amusing, if unorthodox, orphanage, and a palatial country house."{{Cite journal |date=1 January 1938 |title=Scruffy |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1305802238/8168781D348C4BD5PQ/1 |journal=The Monthly Film Bulletin |volume=5 |issue=49 |pages=97 |via=ProQuest}}
References
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External links
- {{IMDb title|0030723}}
{{Randall Faye}}
Category:Films directed by Randall Faye
Category:British black-and-white films
Category:1930s English-language films
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