Watch To Dance with the White Dog
- PG
- 1993
- 1 hr 41 min
-
7.3 (656)
To Dance with the White Dog is a touching and heartwarming film that explores the relationship between an aging couple and their beloved pet. Set in rural Georgia, the movie stars real-life husband and wife Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy as Robert and Cora Samuels, an elderly couple who have been married for over fifty years. When Cora passes away, Robert is left alone and grief-stricken, struggling to come to terms with his loss.
Robert's children, who all live out of state, are worried about their father and want him to move closer to them so they can take care of him. But Robert is determined to stay in the family home, despite his advanced age and deteriorating health. In an effort to help him cope with his loneliness, his children gift him a beautiful white dog named Sam, who quickly becomes Robert's constant companion.
As Robert and Sam spend more time together, a special bond develops between them. The dog seems to understand Robert's every mood and need, and Robert finds comfort in Sam's presence. But as time goes on, Robert is plagued by doubts about whether Sam is real or just a figment of his lonely imagination. He becomes increasingly convinced that Sam is a spirit dog, sent to guide him through his final years.
The story takes place over the course of several seasons, as Robert's health declines and Sam grows older. There are moments of sadness and loss, as well as moments of joy and wonder, as Robert reflects on his life and his love for Cora. He finds solace in his memories of their happy times together, and in the knowledge that he and Cora will one day be reunited in the afterlife.
The performances in To Dance with the White Dog are outstanding, particularly those of Cronyn and Tandy. The couple, who were married in real life for over fifty years, bring a palpable sense of love and affection to their scenes together. Tandy, in particular, shines as Cora, conveying warmth, strength, and grace in every moment on screen.
Christine Baranski also delivers a standout performance as Robert's daughter Kate, who is torn between her love for her father and her desire to see him safe and cared for. Baranski skillfully navigates the complex emotional terrain of her character, conveying both concern and frustration at her father's stubbornness.
The cinematography in To Dance with the White Dog is also noteworthy, capturing the beauty of the Georgia landscape and the changing of the seasons with breathtaking clarity. The film's score, composed by David Shire, is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the movie's poignant tone.
Overall, To Dance with the White Dog is a moving and heartfelt film that celebrates the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a tribute to the enduring bonds of family and the healing power of animals, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment of life.
To Dance with the White Dog is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.