MovieChat Forums > Good-bye, My Lady (1956) Discussion > The Basenji dog breed introduction

The Basenji dog breed introduction

posted 16 years ago by neighturboy
10 replies | jump to latest

This movie single-handedly introduced the Basenji dog breed to US moviegoers. I personally know friends who bought their first basenji based on seeing the one in this movie. What a great cast, and a great memorial to Walter Brennan, Phil Harris and Brandon DeWilde!

[–] kcsizzy 16 years ago

This is an awesome movie...a must see for kids. As I was growing up, we always had Basenji's.

[–] ACA13 14 years ago

I love this movie. It's a must see for adults and children. I have a Basenji and they are unique dogs.

[–] neighturboy 13 years ago

..... and now finally it's available on DVD-R from Warner Archives, at wbshop.com, or any of the many online stores who sell the Warner Archives titles. It's a great addition to any family library!

[–] skootergrlguard-facbk 13 years ago

I've owned Basenjis, and this is the first time I've seen this movie. What a beauty, the dog and the movie!

[–] DrakeStraw 13 years ago

... a great memorial to ... Burl Ives ...

What?

--
Drake

FYI

[spoiler][/spoiler]

[–] ObstinateAnnette 13 years ago

I was just about to post the same question. What does Burl Ives have to do with this movie?

One interesting point I read was that the film contract stated that Brandon de Wilde got to keep the Basenji after filming was complete. That makes for a happier ending in real life than on film. http://www.apubasenjis.com/Good-Bye%20My%20Lady_a.pdf

I need my 1987 DG20 Casio electric guitar set to mandolin, yeah...

[–] cmashieldscapting 9 years ago

So glad to hear this! Elizabeth Taylor also got to keep the horse in National Velvet!

[–] thegalaxybeing 9 years ago

I was born in Dec 1955 in Plattsburgh, NY. My Grandfather (also in Plattsburgh) raised basenjis. Oddly enough, I'd guess his interest in them may have begun in the late 50's. (he had also raised German Shepards). Sometime around 1961, he moved to Saratoga Springs, NY and continued to raise and sell basenjis until around 1964. I am now curious if he saw this movie upon its release. Basenjis are truly fascinating dogs. At his house, here were always maybe dozen or more basenjis around from as far back as I can remember (around 1958) until about 1964, and a few until about 1966. The last time I saw a Basenji in my childhood was in 1969. Since 1969, I have only seen one basenji (about 15 years ago). It's quite an obscure breed.

There is a 2013 independent super natural thriller called "Soulmate" which also has a basenji in it.

[–] cmashieldscapting 9 years ago

The one family I knew who had one moved in 1972 and I haven't seen another since then.

[–] singjohn 9 years ago

I had a Basenji/Chihuahua mix and it was the smartest dog I ever had.