The Shaggy D.A.

Donna Gustafson started her review by saying, “Any person with a skeleton in their closet should carefully consider the prudence of pursuing a career in politics.” But not Wilby Daniels, played by Dean Jones. Completely livid after being robbed twice in less than twenty-four hours, the local lawyer gives a warning and announces that he wants to run for the office of District Attorney.

The unhappy Daniels is convinced his community’s continuously increasing crime rate is directly related to the tolerant behaviors of the present D.A., Honest John Slade, played by Keenan Wynn. With his wife (Suzanne Pleshette) and son (Shane Sinutko) with him, the enthusiastic rookie decides to make his campaign promise to clean up the town, beginning with looking into the incumbent’s connections with known crooks.

Gustafson said, “Anxious to put a muzzle on his up-start opponent, the cigar-smoking Slade determines to dig up any dirt he can find on Daniels. What he gets his paws on is better than anything he could have hoped for.”

As a child, Wilby Daniels had sadly fallen under a spell. Anytime the inscription on an ancient ring was read, he turned into a shaggy dog. (This synopsis is explained in the previous film, “The Shaggy Dog.”) thanks to a robbery at the museum, the powerful ring is out again, and the old curse is once again haunting him.

Once told about this history, Slade knows whoever gets the ring will win the election. Gustafson noted, “As both parties franticly search, flying pies, gunshots, car chases, and tussles with other canines are just some of the madcap antics to ensue.”

The slapstick comedy is improved by the casting of Tim Conway. Gustafson mentioned, “Playing the part of a gullible ice-cream vendor who confuses the transformed Daniels with his pet dog Elwood, Conway’s character unwittingly runs interference, and provides much of the movie’s humor. He also compensates for cheesy talking mutts and obvious costumes used to create the scenes where a dog drives a car or dons roller-skates.”

Although it’s no surprise life mysteries are not told here, “The Shaggy D.A.,” released in 1976, gives some silly fun, a positive family example, the opportunity for good to win over evil, and an underdog worth cheering for.

When I was in eighth grade, we went on a trip to Philadelphia on coach buses. On the way there, we watched “The Princess Bride.” On the way back, we watched “Shrek.” However, we were finished before we got back to school. They put this on, but we didn’t get very far in the movie before they changed it to the first “Spy Kids.” I decided to check this out on Disney+ and I liked it. I guess everyone was losing interest when we were watching it that’s why they changed it, but now as an adult, I appreciate it. Check it out and see for yourself.

Tomorrow I will look at the next film in the franchise in “Disney Month 2023.” Sorry for the late posting. I had a really busy day today.