Scruffy (1980)

Although this isn't among my favorite animated ABC Weekend Specials, I still found this okay. As usual, I first caught this on Youtube a few months ago. This story follows the hardships of the eponymous, young, girl puppy and how she is forced to go through them. Not only is this a story about this particular dog's life, but that of the other dogs featured here. One of Scruffy's predicaments is she and her mother, Duchess, having to escape a house fire. Others are after she and Duchess leave their temporary new owners home to search for their original masters, Duchess ends up getting slain by a hunter and when a third temporary owner, a homeless street performer named Mr. Tibbles ends up dying following a mugging incident. Although there are some tragedies involved in this, it's not completely bad and sad. It has its funny moments too, like among the fellow dogs Scruffy meets at a junkyard, there's one who is a drunk. There are a couple of Disney references in this, (i.e. Scruffy's mother's homicide being reminiscent of Bambi's mother's murder). Another reviewer who mentioned the end of this when Scruffy is all grown up and has puppies with Butch is reminiscent of Lady and the Tramp. That reviewer also mentioned that it's doggy incest, but how can that be so when Scruffy and Butch aren't even related? Anyway, this is basically a tale that serves as a social commentary to the plight of stray animals.

There were many memorable short films during the run of ABC's "Weekend Special", which started in the 1970's, but this particular offering from Ruby Spears Enterprises in 1980 was(and still is) probably one of the most remembered, primarily for its tragic content that wasn't usually found in many children's cartoons back then, except of course in feature films like "Bambi" or "The Fox and the Hound". "Scruffy" was in fact a more depressing children's story in literary form than the finished product that came onto TV screens and home video. The plot surrounds a stray puppy searching for a home. It's a pretty simple premise granted. The problem in this case, for television anyway, seemed to be about dealing with the horrible situations given in the book and yet make it marketable for a child. Many scenes, joyfully reminiscent of classic Saturday Morning TV material, obviously were put in for a lighter viewing. Even with this, the cartoon is still a dark and actually even upsetting account of the lives of unwanted animals. In truth, you would have to be made of stone not to be touched by this, which some people consider a "guilt trip" of sorts. The actors were mostly TV celebs you have seen or heard of at least one time or another. Hans Conried, remembered mostly for his wonderful roles as "Captain Hook" from Peter Pan and "Snidely Whiplash" from the Bullwinkle show brings in a nice performance as street performer Joseph Tibbles. Nancy McKeon of "The Division" really keeps the drama in motion as orphaned Scruffy. "Rugrats" and "Transformers" favorite Michael Bell was a good choice for the tough but kind hearted Butch. June Foray, of course is wonderful(and if you don't know who she is you have not been watching enough cartoons) as well as cartoon vets Janet Waldo and Frank Welker. Should you watch this? If you are too soft hearted, I would keep my distance. For those who are interested, keep the tissues handy. It is practically the "Beaches" or "Terms of Endearment" of Saturday morning kid specials.

This is absolutely my favorite cartoon ever made. It pains me,however, that not many people know about it. It is a heartfelt story of a stray puppy and the trials and tribulations that Scruffy must face. It is a combination of Bambi and Lady and the Tramp. It is unique in it's own right because of the interesting story line and good writing. I have loved it since I was old enough to remember and I am now 22. It is one that should be considered a classic in the cartoon world but is not. I recommend it to anyone who loves cartoons and especially the ones about animals. I just wish that they would put it on DVD because my VHS copy is so worn down!

My grandma got me this movie when she use to work at K-Mart. From the time I was 2 to the time I was about 6 this was the only movie that I had that I would ever watch. Yesterday I found it sitting way in the back of an old entertainment center and I watched like 10 minutes of it and all those childhood memories came back. The animation is pretty bad compared to cartoons now but it was good for a toddler growing up in the 80's (like me).