8/26/2005

Those lovable canine thespians

Here's a long feature about "Dog Jack," an independent Civil War movie.
The original Dog Jack was so highly regarded by the unit's soldiers that Confederate prisoners were exchanged for him when he was twice captured by the enemy. [Reenactor] Hoover was similarly taken with the canine actor that portrayed Jack, a female pit bull terrier named "Piglet."
When did terriers become "pit bull terriers"? And how will makeup compensate for this player's anatomical unfitness for the role?

"You fell in love with her," Hoover said. "If she liked you, she'd jump right up on you." Hoover was amazed by Piglet's intelligence and her ability to work with owner and handler Tracy Doyle, even though the dog is deaf. Doyle directed the canine performer with hand signals. Piglet looks remarkably like the original Dog Jack, whose portrait hangs in Pittsburgh's Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.
A deaf dog starring in a heartwarming role. Somebody get me an "Oscar material" cliche.