The Hardly Boys in Hardly Gold (1995) User Reviews

William Wegman is a genius.

[petersellers · 24 December 2000]

Hardly Gold is a subtle masterpiece of affectionate satire, compelling photography, and strikingly original humor. I was repulsed by Ducky-24's comments; Hardly Gold is neither childlike nor confusing. (If you are confused by something as artfully and concisely crafted as this movie, lock yourself in a closet and don't bother anybody.) I am sorry to be so confrontational, but I'm afraid my strong feelings about this classic piece of cinema easily warrant a fiery response to the rather careless and uninformed words of Ducky-24.

New York photographer William Wegman made this film from the heart, using his beloved dogs as actors in a perfectly composed spoof of the early Hardy Boys mysteries. The dogs in question are the Weimaraners Wegman made famous by dressing them up in human clothing and photographing them in human situations. You may have seen them recently in a series of Honda commercials as well. Anyway, the pups deliver in this movie. They'll make you laugh, they'll make you cry, they will make you love this short film. And if you're a fan of great cinematography--and I kid you not--this is a prime specimen.

My favorite Wegman Weimaraner film!!

[s_p_r_6 · 10/10 · 9 July 2008]

For starters, the Wegman Weimaraner films are "different", to say the least. Yes, they can be enjoyed by children of all ages, however if your child is primarily used to the mind-numbing antics of say, tele-tubbies or the Wiggles, then perhaps s/he may lack interest in this well-crafted, albeit unconventional film. Hardly Boys is intelligent, hilarious, beautifully shot and entirely entertaining.

My five year old cousin adored this film and even went on to fall in love with Alphabet Soup and Fay's Twelve Days of Christmas. Additionally, Wegman's wry sense of humor and bizarre narrative technique offer several nuggets of tongue-in-cheek comedy for the grown ups as well. So if you and your child have an appreciation for wildly non-traditional children's films and of course a love for those goofy dogs, then this is the film for you.

Piggy Soda

[codyhorton-07203 · 10/10 · 10 December 2023]

Something about this film creeps me out in ways i can't describe. If you're reading this review you were probably brought here by piggy soda like I was. I have no clue what any of it means, why this was the characters favourite film or if it even has a meaning. Maybe its just creepy and that's it.

Even without the whole piggy soda mystery, the film on its own has such a strange feel to it. Something just seems really off about it. Whether its the dogs acting like humans or something else, I don't know. Also I'm like 90% sure that William Wegman was accused of abusing his dogs which wouldn't surprise me to be honest.

Interesting

[Ducky-24 · 4/10 · 22 December 1999]

I'm not a fan of independent film but for some reason, I watched this film. I found it rather confusing and childlike. If your a fan of serious and deep plots stay away from this canine film. If you want a simple film about 2 dogs that solve mysteries and especially if you like Wishbone, watch this.