The Plague Dogs

Synopsis

Based on the book by popular fictional animal author, Richard Adams, this film is about the tribulations of life and death, deceit, pain, and hopelessness- all told from the point of view of two dogs, a large Labrador mix named Rowf and a Fox Terrier named Snitter. The two dogs, animal slaves of an Animal Research facility, Lawson Park, make their escape one night, but find it hard to live alone in the wild. They strike an uneasy bargain with a fox, who will teach them to survive if they share their kills with him. However, life is only going to get harder for the two dogs, because afraid their research will be exposed, Lawson Park releases information that the dogs are probably infected with the deadly Bubonic Plague, sending a rush of people eager to kill and destroy the dogs, afraid the plague will spread.

Personal Review

Although some might find this film slow, I find it incredibly endearing and very tragic. I had read the book long before I ever saw the film; however, I knew the film existed- I just had a hell of a time finding a copy of it. Anywise, I love the style of the film, the way it is set up, and the color schemes, even. The backgrounds tend to be grey, or even look uncolored in some scenes, but it really makes the actual characters stand out brightly and more beautifully. I think they cast Rowf's intelligence a little too low in comparison to the book, which makes him almost annoying at times. But I think Snitter was very well portrayed and is easily the most likable character in the film. It is a true shame this film was not marketed anymore than it was- I know it would be truly successful with wide audiences worldwide if a second release was planned, but unfortunately, that seems as if it will never be. Regardless, try and find this film at your local rental store. It is very hard to get a hold of, but at least give it a try. There are several sources you can buy the film from as well too. I had to buy an old rental copy-which makes me sad because it is worn thin and the soundtrack and footage have started to get staticy.

Cast

Christopher Benjamin as Rowf

John Hurt as Snitter

James Bolan as The Tod

Nigel Hawthorne as Dr. Boycott

Penelope Lee as Lynn Driver

Characters

Rowf is obvious a Labrador dog, if not a mix. He is the largest and heaviest of the pair, which is cause for him to do a lot of the hunting work and protective work. At Larson Park, Rowf's labratory tests consisted of being constantly drowned every day. Thus, he has a very strong fear of water and tends to avoid it once he is free. He is slower and stupider than The Tod and Snitter, but he is loyal and very courageous. He is gentle with Snitter but is very untrusting and hateful of The Tod.

Snitter is the fox terrier, the main one behind his and Rowf's escape from the research center. For most of the film, Snitter carries a cap on his head that hides the incision in his skull. Snitter was used for intelligence testing and brain manipulation. Because of it, he is constantly hallucinating and making strange remarks and comments. Snitter was once a pet, until one day, his Master was killed while trying to save Snitter from a busy street. His Master's sister, believing her brother's death was all Snitter's fault, turned Snitter over to the animal research scientists out of anger. However, even Snitter blames himself for the death of his beloved Master.

The Tod is the fox that Rowf and Snitter meet up with after their escape. He offers to teach them how to live as wild animals if they will let him have a share in their kill. The Tod has what appears to be almost an Irish accent, and his attitude is very sneaky and he sometimes takes advantage of the two dogs. However, Tod more than proves his worth by the close of the film.

Screen Grabs

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Fan Contributions

Related Links

Georgi's Plague Dogs Website

Sarah's Plague Dogs Website

Charles Duke's Plague Dogs Page

Film Credits

Based on the novel by Richard Adams

Directed by Martin Rosen

Screenplay by Martin Rosen

Music by Patrick Gleeson

Distributed by Nepenthe Prod.

	Rowf is obvious a Labrador dog, if not a mix. He is the largest and heaviest of the pair, which is cause for him to do a lot of the hunting work and protective work. At Larson Park, Rowf's labratory tests consisted of being constantly drowned every day. Thus, he has a very strong fear of water and tends to avoid it once he is free. He is slower and stupider than The Tod and Snitter, but he is loyal and very courageous. He is gentle with Snitter but is very untrusting and hateful of The Tod.
	Snitter is the fox terrier, the main one behind his and Rowf's escape from the research center. For most of the film, Snitter carries a cap on his head that hides the incision in his skull. Snitter was used for intelligence testing and brain manipulation. Because of it, he is constantly hallucinating and making strange remarks and comments. Snitter was once a pet, until one day, his Master was killed while trying to save Snitter from a busy street. His Master's sister, believing her brother's death was all Snitter's fault, turned Snitter over to the animal research scientists out of anger. However, even Snitter blames himself for the death of his beloved Master.
	The Tod is the fox that Rowf and Snitter meet up with after their escape. He offers to teach them how to live as wild animals if they will let him have a share in their kill. The Tod has what appears to be almost an Irish accent, and his attitude is very sneaky and he sometimes takes advantage of the two dogs. However, Tod more than proves his worth by the close of the film.