Scruffy (1980)

Simply Perfect

Memorable, crazy movie

Admirable film.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

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 the most poignant,heart wrenching cartoon that I have ever seen.My wife has been telling me for years how moving this cartoon is but it was only when I saw it that I realised what she meant. From the moment Scruffy's mother was abandoned by her owners ,at the start of the film,you realise that you are about to see a very special movie but you are unprepared for how special this cartoon really is. Throughout the first quarter of an hour of "Scruffy" you should be trying to hold back the tears but when Scruffy loses her mother ,if you have any heart,then the floodgates should open.From this point in the movie i was moved to tears and don't think i have ever been so moved by a cartoon. Scruffy finds many friends along the way, including an old hobo,and from adventure to adventure she certainly finds a friend in the viewer. You know this cartoon probably has a happy ending but until the poignant finally you are not quite sure. In conclusion;The animation may be simple,the story may be easy to follow but this little nugget of rare gold teaches about empathy towards others,friendship and how to treat our fellow travellers on the journey of life. A classic cartoon with the perfect score 10/10

This movie was originally shown as a three part mini-series as an "ABC Weekend Special" in 1980 and was replayed several times following. If you love dog stories or films about canine situations, you will no doubt enjoy this animated feature. While "Scruffy" was created for Saturday morning TV, it plays very well as a feature length film. The story is centered around a Springer Spaniel puppy, who after being orphaned struggles to survive as a stray in a large city. Along the way she encounters various humans both good and bad, challenging situations, and befriends a tough but lovable male Pit Bull Terrier who serves as a friend and protector. The film sends a strong message concerning the hardships endured by stray dogs, and while "Scruffy" is kid friendly, the producers did not sugar-coat the fact that unwanted or discarded canines are destroyed if they do not find a home. In the end the viewer is left feeling happy about the story's outcome, but at the same time reminded that the unwanted pet population is a problem that will not go away anytime soon and that it is up to the human population of the world to be responsible for a solution. All in all a nice story that will please any fan of dog related movies or admirers of classic Saturday Morning animation.

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).