He was a legend of the Pilbara in Western Australia, with countless stories told about his gregariousness and charisma! He was held in such high regard in Dampier, one of the towns to which he often returned, that the local Wales Bank gave him his own bank account and the Bank used him as a mascot with the catchphrase, ‘If Red banks at the Wales, then you can too’! The locals were so taken by him that they erected a full-size statue which stands to this day in the township.

You know you’ve really made it when you have a feature length movie made about you! Red Dog (1971-1979) has now reached superstar status with the movie RED DOG which opened in Sydney last Thursday, 4th August, 2011. Director Kriv Stenders, along with screenplay writer Daniel Taplitz, have adapted British writer Louis de Bernieres’s novel of the same name for the big screen. The film stars Koko, an impressive kelpie trained for the role, as Red Dog with American actor Josh Lucas playing his long time master and Rachael Taylor his wife.

I’m sure that Red Dog would bark his approval from the grave for the movie that Stenders has come up with! There’s a great larrikin, Aussie feel to RED DOG, and the feel of the great mighty West of Australia came through the screen. The cast performed well and the movie represented the last time that the late great Bill Hunter, one of Australia’s acting legends, appeared on screen. A feature of the movie was a pulsating soundtrack of great Australian pop/rock songs of that era.

The shining light of RED DOG was its portrayal of the loyalty that Red Dog had for his master. There are a few scenes in this movie, if they don’t get to you, you must have a heart of stone!

David Kary

8th August, 2011