White Dog

After attracting unwarranted controversy, director Samuel Fuller's White Dog went unreleased in the U.S. by its distributor, Paramount Pictures, effectively severing the auteur's ties to Hollywood once and for all. A disturbing, allegorical tale of a dog trained to attack only black people, the film was attacked on charges of racism long before its intended release date. In response, Paramount attempted to edit the movie; but Fuller took his final cut to Europe, where it found a more appreciative audience. A master at lurid, sensational social commentary, Fuller directs the film in his characteristically biting, urgent manner. Adapted by the director and Curtis Hanson from Romain Gary's novel, the material is as edgy and provocative anything in Fuller's oeuvre, though it's clear the film decried the central concept of racial hatred. All of the performers, including Paul Winfield, the little-seen Burl Ives, and the once-popular Kristy McNichol, handle the difficult material with care. ~ Brendon Hanley, All Movie Guide