Crooked Canines: Villains in Literature and Cinema
In the vast world of literature, dogs have often played various roles, from loyal companions to symbolic figures. However, the portrayal of dogs directly involved in criminal activities is a less common, but intriguing, theme. Let's delve into some notable examples that have left a paw print on the genre.
One of the most iconic crime-dog narratives is "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle, published in 1901. This novel introduces a large, spectral hound, rumoured to haunt the moors around Baskerville Hall, serving as a central plot element in the mystery. The hound symbolises a historical curse and leads to a series of murders.
Agatha Christie, another literary great, has also contributed to this unique genre. Her short story "The Nemean Lion" (1939) features a Pekingese named Augustus, who unwittingly becomes an accomplice in a dognapping scheme. In her novel "Dumb Witness" (1937), a wire-haired terrier named Bob is falsely accused of an attempted murder. Interestingly, Bob leaves with Hercule Poirot at the end of the novel.
Thomas M. Disch's novel "The Businessman: A Tale of Terror" (1984) introduces Sugar, a demonic Scots terrier who aids a murderer in his crime. Sugar's "soul" wreaks havoc in another being, a child, causing harm to anyone who suspects the murderer.
Romain Gary's novel "White Dog" (1970) explores themes of racism, Hollywood hypocrisy, and whether racism is inherent or learned. The novel centres around a German shepherd trained to attack black people. When the dog is taken to an animal trainer, a black trainer is willing to try to correct the dog's behaviour, while a white trainer believes it's impossible.
In film adaptations, Sam Fuller directed and adapted Romain Gary's novel into a film in 1981, focusing on the dog as a prisoner and making allegories to Frankenstein. Ennio Morricone provided the soundtrack to this thought-provoking film.
Other notable mentions include the 1941 film version of "High Sierra," where Pard's bark reveals the robber's location, and the low-budget film "The Doberman Gang" (1972), which features six Doberman Pinschers trained to rob a bank.
In the podcast "The Dog Training Detective," dogs and crime narratives intertwine in a unique blend of murder mystery, romantic comedy, and practical dog training tips. While not directly crime-related, Naguib Mahfouz's novel "The Thief and the Dogs" (1961) explores themes of social justice and retribution, albeit not focusing on dogs in a crime context.
These examples show that dogs, whether as symbols, companions, or plot devices, have a significant role in crime-related literature and film. They serve as a reflection of societal norms, fears, and moral dilemmas, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read or watch.
Books like "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie's "Dumb Witness" showcase the intriguing theme of crime fiction that features dogs, contributing to the entertainment value of literature. Moreover, notable films such as "The Doberman Gang" and "White Dog" expand this genre by involving dogs in criminal activities or exploring related themes, offering an engaging blend of crime, drama, and social commentary within the realm of entertainment.
