Watch The Great Mike

The Great Mike is a heartwarming comedy-drama film that follows the journey of a lovable cocker spaniel named Mike who aspires to become a renowned movie star. The movie was released in 1944, directed by Wallace Fox and produced by Sam Katzman, with a screenplay by George Haight and Dore Schary. Stuart Erwin stars as Joe Brennan, a hapless former baseball player who is struggling to make ends meet. One day, Joe saves Mike, a lost dog, from being hit by a car. Mike immediately becomes attached to Joe and follows him everywhere. Joe, on the other hand, sees an opportunity in Mike and begins to train him as a baseball player, hoping that they can earn some money by winning an upcoming game.

As they continue to train, Joe realizes that Mike has a talent for performing tricks and decides to take him to Hollywood to pursue a career in the movies. The journey to Hollywood is not an easy one, and Joe and Mike face one obstacle after another, including being stranded in the middle of nowhere, getting arrested for hitchhiking, and being cheated out of their money.

When they finally arrive in Hollywood, Joe and Mike desperately try to get a meeting with movie producer Max Marlowe, played by Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer. Max initially dismisses them but changes his mind when he sees the tricks that Mike can perform. Max offers Mike a contract, but Joe must sign away all of Mike's rights, leaving him with nothing.

Joe and Mike soon become celebrities, with Mike appearing in movies, on billboards, and even on the cover of Time magazine. As Mike’s fame grows, so does Max’s greed, as he exploits Mike’s talents for his own financial gain. Meanwhile, Joe is left to watch from the sidelines, worried about Mike’s wellbeing and their future.

As the movie progresses, Joe and Mike face a series of challenges, including a lawsuit for wrongful dismissal and Max's greed, and they must decide whether to fight back or continue living in poverty. The story culminates in a thrilling and emotional finale that will leave audiences cheering.

The Great Mike is a classic example of old Hollywood storytelling, filled with heart, humor, and memorable characters. Stuart Erwin delivers a charming and relatable performance as Joe, who represents the American Dream of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of happiness. Robert 'Buzz' Henry gives a standout performance as the lovable Mike, who steals the show with his incredible talent and adorable expressions. Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, known for his role in the Our Gang series, brings his signature mischievous and comedic charm to the role of Max Marlowe.

The film is also notable for its impressive array of animal performers, including Mike, who was played by multiple dogs, and a variety of other creatures, including monkeys, horses, and birds. The animal performers bring a sense of whimsy and wonder to the movie, creating some of the most memorable scenes.

Overall, The Great Mike is a delightful and heartwarming film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It is a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of one's dreams, with a cast of lovable characters and some truly amazing animal performances. Whether you are a fan of classic Hollywood movies or just love heartwarming stories, The Great Mike is a must-see.

The Great Mike is a 1944 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.