HAMBONE AND HILLIE

US, 1984, 97 minutes, Colour.
Lilian Gish, Timothy Bottoms, Candy Clark, O.J.Simpson, Alan Hale Jr, Robert Walker Jr.
Directed by Roy Watts.

Hambone and Hillie is a dog story for family audiences. It is a tale of America, the lost dog making his way across the continent and reaching home. It is the kind of dog film that warms the hearts of family audiences.

For adults there is the interest of seeing Lilian Gish as the human star - supported by momentary cameos of a great range of performers like O. J. Simpson, Timothy Bottoms, Candy Clark, Robert Walker Jr.

Children will probably enjoy the film - but it is particularly American.

1. An entertaining dog story? For family audiences?

2. The film as a piece of Americana, the dog crossing the country the cities and the landscapes of the United States? The cross section of people, good and bad?

3. The use of locations, atmosphere? The dog's life? The cross-cutting to Hillie and the human response to the lost dog? The musical score - with a touch of patriotism?

4. Audiences identifying with Hillie? The loss of the dog? Her concern? The old lady? The audience identifying with the people met along the way? With the dog and its adventures?

5. Pets and the bonds between pets and humans?

6. The opening situation, Grandma, the plane, the chase at the airport, Hambone lost, Hillie and her search?

7. Lilian Gish as Hillie, the family, love, searching for the dog, wanting to move - and the happy ending and staying put? The sketch of the family?

8. The adventures of Hambone across the United States: the black truck driver, the dog-catchers, the children and their pets, the other dogs, the pregnant wife of the policeman and the crooks, Las Vegas, the tramp and wandering the roads, the Indians in New Mexico and their helping? Food, survival?

9. Hambone and Hillie and the happy reunion?