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7.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Dogs Is Dogs remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so 'Dogs Is Dogs' is one of those old *Our Gang* shorts that still has a certain pull, you know? It’s absolutely worth a watch if you’re a fan of classic kid antics or just need a dose of simple, heartfelt storytelling from another era. You’ll probably dig it if you're into that kind of thing; it's a good pick for a quiet afternoon. But if you’re after super slick modern production values or if the kind of humor around animal trouble (even pretend stuff) makes you squirm, then maybe give this one a pass.
The story itself is classic *Rascals* stuff. Wheezer and Dorothy, these poor kids, are living with a truly awful stepmother, played by Blanche Payson, and her spoiled brat of a son, Sherwood. Their only real joy, their best friend, is Pete the Dog, who, naturally, the stepmother can’t stand. It's a straightforward setup: the good-hearted kids against the mean grown-ups, all to save their beloved pet.
Blanche Payson as the stepmother is just fantastic at being terrible. Seriously, her facial expressions alone tell you everything you need to know about how little she cares for those kids or that dog. Sherwood Bailey, as the bratty stepbrother, is also spot-on; he’s got this smug look that just makes you want to reach into the screen. 😠
And then there’s Pete the Dog. His antics are, as always, a major highlight. The way he reacts to the kids, the way he looks worried when danger’s near, it’s all just perfect. You really feel for the little guy.
There's this whole bit where the kids try to save Pete from being, well, *gotten rid of*. Their escape plan is wonderfully elaborate for a bunch of kids. It feels like they really put their heads together, even if some of their ideas are a bit... out there. The climax involving the dogcatcher, played by Billy Gilbert, is a treat. His booming voice and exaggerated expressions really sell the whole scene.
I distinctly remember a moment where they try to 'hide' Pete in plain sight, and they just *barely* pull it off. You can almost feel the tension building, even though you know it's all going to work out. It’s one of those bits that makes you smile. 😊
Now, some of the humor around Pete, like a dark gag involving a poisoned sausage, feels a bit much today. He ends up totally fine, of course, but it’s a jarring reminder of how different comedy was back then. It's definitely a product of its time.
The gang’s signature move of creating a 'haunted house' to scare the stepmother and Sherwood is classic. They use sheets and silly noises, and it works exactly as planned. It’s one of those moments that really cements the *Our Gang* vibe — kids being resourceful and a little mischievous to get what they want.
For a short film, 'Dogs Is Dogs' manages to pack in a surprising amount of emotion and laughs. It's not perfect, some scenes linger a beat too long, but it’s got heart. It’s a good little slice of classic Hollywood, showing kids standing up for what's right, even if they have to be a bit naughty to do it. Definitely a worthwhile watch if you're in the mood for some vintage charm. ✨
IMDb 6.8
1919
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