A waste of 90 minutes of my life

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

If you buy only one of those overpriced Universal Vault MODs, buy this one! If you buy two, then buy "If I Were King" starring Ronald Colman, but that is another story.I'd like to think that Dick Powell was wealthy enough by 1951 that he could largely pick his projects, because this one is a gem of Dick Powell parodying the Dick Powell PI persona of the noirs. He plays a German Shepherd dog, King, who inherits a large fortune from an eccentric owner and then is murdered by poison. When he arrives in Animal Heaven (Beastatory) he says he knows who his murderer is and wants time back on earth to bring that murderer to justice. It's not just his untimely death that requires his attention, his kindly keeper was next in line for the estate, and down on earth she is suspect number one, so he also wants to clear her name in the process.King is given that chance, but he must return to Animal Heaven by the new moon or forever remain a "Humanimal" - human in form, animal in nature. To become a humanimal and return to earth not knowing that you are one is the punishment of bad animals. King will return knowing his state and his mission with all of the memories of his previous existence. He is given a deceased Kentucky race horse as his companion and helper on his mission.It's just hilarious seeing Dick Powell returned to earth as "Rex Shepherd, PI" sitting in a spartan office talking like Philip Marlowe and nibbling on dog kibble instead of peanuts and cowering in doorways whenever the dog catcher appears, forgetting he is in human form. Goldie, his human-horse companion, has hat styles that are pure palomino. The murderer is no mystery - you learn the identity pretty much up front. The trick is catching the perpetrator. Also, as a humanimal, Rex finds he is having new rather confusing feelings for the beautiful young lady who was his keeper during his life as a dog. How can this all work out and not bust the production code wide open? Watch and find out.Let me also say that the transfer is outstanding on the Universal Vault DVD. All I have seen in the past are poor VHS transfers from past TV airings. This one is worth going back to again and again for the hilarity and the magic of it all. A great family film, a great holiday film, a great film anytime you need cheering up.Forgive me for mentioning specific products in this review, but this one DVD transfer is the only way I know to see a good copy of the film.

I think this was one of the funniest and heartwarming movies ever. I have seriously looked everywhere for it- to buy--but I can't find it! What a shame-a true classic, that is shelved. I have searched E-Bay, AMC, Turner Movies, Direct TV and even Blockbuster. It's just no where to be found. I read that it is very rare to find a copy-and I believe it-and so can you! If you get a chance, and like a fun, clean family movie grab your chance when you see it. You can bet, I'll be searching until I have a copy for myself and family to enjoy. It doesn't really fall into any one category, but it leaves things to your imagination while being a comedy, parody, mystery spoof. Like I said-grab it when you can, it's definitely worth the hour and a half as far as time.

One of the last of the "screwball comedies." Charming, rather than laugh-out-loud funny. A special treat for animal lovers. Silly, but played straight, this is one of those snuggle-by-the-fire-with-a-cup-of-cocoa (and your dog/s) films. Dick Powell returns to earth to sniff out his murderer, and he'll be dog-goned if he'll let the fellow get away. Yes; it's that bad/good. Cute asides and plays on words/visuals.Interesting is that two of the leading characters appear in another (the BEST) "animal" film; Harvey.

I first saw this low-budget black-and-white film at the age of fourteen, promptly forgot the forgettable title, but never forgot the premise or the wonderfully waggish Dick Powell. Now, many years later I've remembered the title and managed to obtain a VHS copy from an online auction house, and as an adult in pretty good standing, I can report that it's still rather delightful.The premise: "King," a German shepherd dog, inherits a fortune, is poisoned by a heartless villain, and his spirit is taken up to "Beastatory." There he asks for a chance to return to earth as a "humanimal" in order to clear up the circumstances surrounding his own death. His request is granted, and he is installed in a Film Noir-ish office as a salty private eye with the whimsical name of Rex Shepherd, accompanied by a Kentucky thoroughbred filly as his secretary Goldie (Joyce Holden).The casting is exquisite. Dick Powell, though really quite a nice-looking actor, always struck me as having a slightly canine look; I believe he succeeded so well in private-eye roles partly because of the perception that he would doggedly "sniff out" the truth. The next-in-line heiress (Peggy Dow) is pretty and wholesome. The butler and the housekeeper are suspiciously sinister. The heiress's boyfriend is suspiciously affable. And a host of minor characters bear traces of resemblance to various breeds of dogs.The whole family, from about eight years up, can enjoy this film on different levels. But you'd best like corn, and I don't mean popped.6/10