ALLAN HUNTER at the Movies.

THE STORY OF the Skye terrier Greyfriars Bobby is the stuff of Edinburgh legend. Every school child in the land must know of the wonder dog’s astonishing loyalty to his master John Gray and his special place in the history of Greyfriars Kirk.

‘Greyfriars Bobby’ offers a handsome new version of events. It may feel a little like a Sunday teatime television drama, but it makes for decent family entertainment on the big screen.

Captured in painterly, sepia-toned images and special-effects, the Edinburgh of the 1850s is depicted as a city divided by class.

The Old Town is little more than an open sewer where the rats outnumber the human population. The poor suffer at the hands of unscrupulous businessmen like mill owner Duncan Smithie (Sean Pertwee).

Bobby becomes a symbol of hope to the downtrodden masses. Guarding his master’s grave, he becomes a fixture at Greyfriars Kirk, winning the protection of warden James Brown (James Cosmo) and the friendship of young Ewan Adams (Oliver Golding).

The heart of the film lies in the dog’s many death-defying escapes, and the orphaned Ewan’s Oliver Twist-like experiences in the poorhouse. A strong social conscience adds a touch of grit to the sentimental saga, and the little dog is a real star with the kind of expressive features and acting ability that puts young Oliver Golding to shame.

There are also strong supporting performances from Ardal O’Hanlon as Coconut Tam and Christopher Lee as Lord Provost William Chambers. Not a classic by any means, but very watchable, and audiences who flocked to see ‘Lassie’ at Christmas will not be disappointed by this.

Nationwide release

Director: John Henderson
Stars: James Cosmo, Oliver Golding, Ardal O’Hanlon, Sean Pertwee, Christopher Lee
Screenplay: Richard Mathews, Neville Watchurst, John Henderson
Certificate: PG
Running time: 103 mins
Country: UK
Year: 2005

© Allan Hunter, 2006