Best movie ever!

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

The first must-see film of the year.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

I first saw this movie as a teenager on AMC during a lazy afternoon and it was an unexpected pleasure. When I read the brief summary of the movie, which read something like: "A murdered dog comes back to life as a man to hunt his killer," I actually expected a somewhat hard-boiled detective movie, despite the obviously outrageous premise. And I had no idea who Dick Powell was. The movie turned out to be very light-hearted and I was thoroughly entertained. Many light-hearted comedies of that era (early 1950s) make the mistake of just throwing in a lot of cute scenes and dialog and, though this movie does feature such scenes, it also has a lot of quite clever humor that keeps even the more cynical viewer satisfied. Even the murder mystery plot has intriguing aspects. The movie has a kind of fantasy atmosphere throughout that I really enjoy, and Dick Powell was never more likable than he is here. This role was perfect for him (unlike his earlier role in "Murder My Sweet"--see my review). I highly recommend it for good family fun.

One of the last of the "screwball comedies." Charming, rather than laugh-out-loud funny. A special treat for animal lovers. Silly, but played straight, this is one of those snuggle-by-the-fire-with-a-cup-of-cocoa (and your dog/s) films. Dick Powell returns to earth to sniff out his murderer, and he'll be dog-goned if he'll let the fellow get away. Yes; it's that bad/good. Cute asides and plays on words/visuals.Interesting is that two of the leading characters appear in another (the BEST) "animal" film; Harvey.

The wacky premise of this superbly crafted film is that a German Shepherd, poisoned to permit his mistress's murder, goes to Beastitoria (animal heaven) and pleads to return to earth, reincarnated as private eye Rex Shepherd, to solve his own murder. Filled with witty dialogue, funny bits where the animal "breaks through" the human, this movie stars Dick Powell in a kind of takeoff on his "Murder My Sweet" serious shamus. I have tried to find it anywhere since seeing it in 1951 without luck. If anyone can locate it, please e-mail me.

This movie is great. My wife and I adore it. There is no violence. It is a comedy that can be watched over and over. This is a true classic. I wish it was available on video or DVD (yes it is that good). Basic story:- King the German Shepherd is left a fortune when his owner dies, someone poisons him and he returns to earth as a PI called Rex Shepherd to bring his killer to justice. I won't tell you any more as it will spoil it for you. Bye........