Imaginative fantasies for-the-sake-of-an-idea are rare in Hollywood. It is much easier to impute massive powers to a watch or show a watch that can stop time, without regard for the meaning, ethics or development of such ideas. "You Never Can Tell" is beyond any doubt one of the most delightful and unexpected fantasy films ever. It begins with a visit to Beastatory, where good animals go, a heaven for non-humans courtesy of David S. Hursely and the optical department; the animals are shown on a negative image with glowing eyes, speaking English. The film was directed by Louis Breslow and written along with David Chandler. It tells the story of an Army canine who is murdered. He comes back to protect his mistress, daughter of a wealthy man played by Albert Sharpe, in the person of beautiful Peggy Dow. he is in human form, calling himself "Rex Shepherd", and his partner for the mission of mystery-detection and help to her is Golden Harvest, a palomino filly now in human form as Goldie, his assistant. The villain of the piece is ably played by Charles Drake, who is romancing Dow. While Rex munches kibble and Goldie outruns buses and visits her psychologically troubled horse friends at the track, they somehow manage to save Dow's life and expose the reason behind Rex's killing and the threat to her. Of course, Rex falls in love with Dow, she with him, and he remains on Earth and watches as Goldie gallops off toward Beastatory's alternate heaven, turning into a palomino again as she disappears into the skies. Please don't miss this delightful film; it is one of Powell's best, and a genuine comedy-fantasy rarity.
31 Reviews
One of the Most Entertaining and Likable Fantasy-Comedies Ever Made
silverscreen88824 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Charming
yarborough21 January 2005
I first saw this movie as a teenager on AMC during a lazy afternoon and it was an unexpected pleasure. When I read the brief summary of the movie, which read something like: "A murdered dog comes back to life as a man to hunt his killer," I actually expected a somewhat hard-boiled detective movie, despite the obviously outrageous premise. And I had no idea who Dick Powell was. The movie turned out to be very light-hearted and I was thoroughly entertained. Many light-hearted comedies of that era (early 1950s) make the mistake of just throwing in a lot of cute scenes and dialog and, though this movie does feature such scenes, it also has a lot of quite clever humor that keeps even the more cynical viewer satisfied. Even the murder mystery plot has intriguing aspects. The movie has a kind of fantasy atmosphere throughout that I really enjoy, and Dick Powell was never more likable than he is here. This role was perfect for him (unlike his earlier role in "Murder My Sweet"--see my review). I highly recommend it for good family fun.
Pure lyrical nonsense!
moonspinner5516 September 2007
Both ridiculous and magical, this is a comedic fantasy which really works. Former armed forces dog--a German Shepherd who just inherited a fortune from a wealthy people-hater--is poisoned and dies, reincarnated soon as a private detective out to solve his own murder. This set-up may sound an awful lot like that Chevy Chase/Benji comedy from the early-'80s, but those who give up on the picture early will be missing a treat. The writing is ticklish and pointed, and the sharp handling is sprightly and lyrical. Dick Powell is, as always, wonderful in the lead, matched by amusing Joyce Holden as his assistant (in her previous life, she was a horse). Sounds silly, but it works a special brand of wacky magic. *** from ****
Amazing premise, superb, funny execution.
gutheiltg26 March 2000
The wacky premise of this superbly crafted film is that a German Shepherd, poisoned to permit his mistress's murder, goes to Beastitoria (animal heaven) and pleads to return to earth, reincarnated as private eye Rex Shepherd, to solve his own murder. Filled with witty dialogue, funny bits where the animal "breaks through" the human, this movie stars Dick Powell in a kind of takeoff on his "Murder My Sweet" serious shamus. I have tried to find it anywhere since seeing it in 1951 without luck. If anyone can locate it, please e-mail me.
Charming Fantasy/Comedy
bkoganbing16 October 2009
In You Never Can Tell, Dick Powell got a chance to satirize his own new image as a tough guy private detective. He's certainly one of the most unusual private eyes that the movies have ever created.
If you didn't know it before, you know it now that animals have a soul and when they die they go to a place called Beastatory. That's what's happened to King when he gets poisoned by some nefarious forces who are after his money. That's right, his money. It seems as though King's inherited a fortune, the former member of the US Army's Canine Corps was left a multi-million dollar estate. This German Shepherd is now the envy of Rin Tin Tin.
In Beastatory when an animal hasn't lived a good animal life they have a most unusual punishment, they come back as humans, an interesting theological notion as I've ever heard. But King makes an unusual request to voluntarily go back and deal with his murderer. It's granted and he's even given a companion, a thoroughbred race horse who comes back as the girl Friday of the detective Rex Sheppard, that King becomes. Of course when he goes back he's now Dick Powell and the race horse is Joyce Holden.
Charles Drake and Peggy Dow are in this film as well, they were the romantic interest a year before in Harvey, the young psychiatrist and the nurse at the funny farm Josephine Hull was trying to stick Jimmy Stewart. The roles aren't quite the same in You Never Can Tell. Peggy Dow was a young lady of much promise who married and retired early after only a few films and the silver screen was the poorer for it.
Powell has some very funny moments especially when he can't quite shake his canine background as a human. But Joyce Holden really provides the most laughs in this film. Hysterically funny moment when she races to catch a bus she just missed. Holden probably broke the six furlong record at Aqueduct in that effort.
This is a very sadly neglected comedy I wish was shown more often. If TCM ever shows it, don't miss it.
If you didn't know it before, you know it now that animals have a soul and when they die they go to a place called Beastatory. That's what's happened to King when he gets poisoned by some nefarious forces who are after his money. That's right, his money. It seems as though King's inherited a fortune, the former member of the US Army's Canine Corps was left a multi-million dollar estate. This German Shepherd is now the envy of Rin Tin Tin.
In Beastatory when an animal hasn't lived a good animal life they have a most unusual punishment, they come back as humans, an interesting theological notion as I've ever heard. But King makes an unusual request to voluntarily go back and deal with his murderer. It's granted and he's even given a companion, a thoroughbred race horse who comes back as the girl Friday of the detective Rex Sheppard, that King becomes. Of course when he goes back he's now Dick Powell and the race horse is Joyce Holden.
Charles Drake and Peggy Dow are in this film as well, they were the romantic interest a year before in Harvey, the young psychiatrist and the nurse at the funny farm Josephine Hull was trying to stick Jimmy Stewart. The roles aren't quite the same in You Never Can Tell. Peggy Dow was a young lady of much promise who married and retired early after only a few films and the silver screen was the poorer for it.
Powell has some very funny moments especially when he can't quite shake his canine background as a human. But Joyce Holden really provides the most laughs in this film. Hysterically funny moment when she races to catch a bus she just missed. Holden probably broke the six furlong record at Aqueduct in that effort.
This is a very sadly neglected comedy I wish was shown more often. If TCM ever shows it, don't miss it.
a REAL "shaggy dog" story
Oak Owl27 November 2002
One of the last of the "screwball comedies." Charming, rather than laugh-out-loud funny. A special treat for animal lovers. Silly, but played straight, this is one of those snuggle-by-the-fire-with-a-cup-of-cocoa (and your dog/s) films. Dick Powell returns to earth to sniff out his murderer, and he'll be dog-goned if he'll let the fellow get away. Yes; it's that bad/good. Cute asides and plays on words/visuals.
Interesting is that two of the leading characters appear in another (the BEST) "animal" film; Harvey.
Interesting is that two of the leading characters appear in another (the BEST) "animal" film; Harvey.
Pretty Doggone Good
MetaLark24 January 2002
I first saw this low-budget black-and-white film at the age of fourteen, promptly forgot the forgettable title, but never forgot the premise or the wonderfully waggish Dick Powell. Now, many years later I've remembered the title and managed to obtain a VHS copy from an online auction house, and as an adult in pretty good standing, I can report that it's still rather delightful.
The premise: "King," a German shepherd dog, inherits a fortune, is poisoned by a heartless villain, and his spirit is taken up to "Beastatory." There he asks for a chance to return to earth as a "humanimal" in order to clear up the circumstances surrounding his own death. His request is granted, and he is installed in a Film Noir-ish office as a salty private eye with the whimsical name of Rex Shepherd, accompanied by a Kentucky thoroughbred filly as his secretary Goldie (Joyce Holden).
The casting is exquisite. Dick Powell, though really quite a nice-looking actor, always struck me as having a slightly canine look; I believe he succeeded so well in private-eye roles partly because of the perception that he would doggedly "sniff out" the truth. The next-in-line heiress (Peggy Dow) is pretty and wholesome. The butler and the housekeeper are suspiciously sinister. The heiress's boyfriend is suspiciously affable. And a host of minor characters bear traces of resemblance to various breeds of dogs.
The whole family, from about eight years up, can enjoy this film on different levels. But you'd best like corn, and I don't mean popped.
6/10
The premise: "King," a German shepherd dog, inherits a fortune, is poisoned by a heartless villain, and his spirit is taken up to "Beastatory." There he asks for a chance to return to earth as a "humanimal" in order to clear up the circumstances surrounding his own death. His request is granted, and he is installed in a Film Noir-ish office as a salty private eye with the whimsical name of Rex Shepherd, accompanied by a Kentucky thoroughbred filly as his secretary Goldie (Joyce Holden).
The casting is exquisite. Dick Powell, though really quite a nice-looking actor, always struck me as having a slightly canine look; I believe he succeeded so well in private-eye roles partly because of the perception that he would doggedly "sniff out" the truth. The next-in-line heiress (Peggy Dow) is pretty and wholesome. The butler and the housekeeper are suspiciously sinister. The heiress's boyfriend is suspiciously affable. And a host of minor characters bear traces of resemblance to various breeds of dogs.
The whole family, from about eight years up, can enjoy this film on different levels. But you'd best like corn, and I don't mean popped.
6/10
Dick Powell deserves a comeback
mizes200022 May 2001
I saw this movie in the late 50's on TV. I liked it so much that I never forgot it. I have never seen it since. Just recently I found out the title. It is everything a good movie should be. Too bad I can't find a copy. There are tear jerkers, gags, action, and it is fairly fast moving. It is b&w but the material makes up for it. The makers should put it on DVD and offer it. I would be one of the first customers. I will never forget the horse running after the bus.
Dick Powell OWNS in this movie!
CynicLgrrl14 April 2006
I love this movie!--it's incredibly sweet. I remember seeing it a long time ago with my mom and made an extra effort to keep an eye out for the eventual showing of this movie on AMC or one of the other 'classic movies' stations. Finally, I was lucky enough to record it from one of 'said stations' years ago and I still have a copy it. I haven't seen it in a long time now, but I think I'm about due for another view. Filled with satire and fun visual fantasy, this movie is not only great for family viewing, but should bring a chuckle to the most hardcore among us. If you ever get a chance to see this delightful,classic Dick Powell movie, do yourself a huge favor and check out this gem. ~ CynicLgrrl xxx
What a great movie!
joeandkamy4 June 2005
I think this was one of the funniest and heartwarming movies ever. I have seriously looked everywhere for it- to buy--but I can't find it! What a shame-a true classic, that is shelved. I have searched E-Bay, AMC, Turner Movies, Direct TV and even Blockbuster. It's just no where to be found. I read that it is very rare to find a copy-and I believe it-and so can you! If you get a chance, and like a fun, clean family movie grab your chance when you see it. You can bet, I'll be searching until I have a copy for myself and family to enjoy. It doesn't really fall into any one category, but it leaves things to your imagination while being a comedy, parody, mystery spoof. Like I said-grab it when you can, it's definitely worth the hour and a half as far as time.
Original premise is amusingly handled but never really takes off
gridoon20244 July 2022
Certainly an original premise (a dog reincarnated as a man) with some even wilder ideas ("Beastatory"), which is played and handled in an amusing manner, but still leaves you with the feeling that not all of the comic possibilities of the situation were exploited. The animals are well-trained; on the human front, my favorite is Peggy Dow, who is gorgeous and quite modern in composition. **1/2 out of 4.
saw it again update
mizes200013 October 2003
A reader answered my message on the message board and informed me that this film was being offered on ebay. I went there and paid $40.00 and now have my own copy which was recorded from TV. I have since put it on msvcd and made a backup copy. I wasn't dissapointed even though it had been almost fifty years and I was surprized at how good my memory had been (or was it the writeups in imdb)? Its just a good old mystery from those years with a little (OK! A lot) of fantisy involved. The people holding this film should release it on DVD as an olde. There are still enough of us out here that enjoy theoldies. DickPowell wasn't singing in this one, but he sure was acting well. My suggestion is if you havn't seen it, you should. If you don't see it, you will be the loser.
Did Dick Powell do something to get in trouble with the studio?!
planktonrules5 December 2022
My wife thought "You Can Never Tell" was kind of cute. However, she didn't finish the movie and I sure thought it was pretty ridiculous. It's the sort of movie that makes you wonder if the leading man, Dick Powell, had done something to tick off a studio executive!
When the story begins, you learn that Rex the German Shepherd inherited millions from his deceased owner. As a result, Rex now lives a nice life and is cared for be Ellen (Peggy Dow). However, after she meets a seemingly kind man and falls for him, SOMEONE poisons Rex and the doggy dies.
The scene switches to some annoying version of Animal Heaven where it's presided over Mufasa. I say annoying because the film footage is all shown in negative....and it's hard on the eyes. Anyway, Rex is there (since he was such a good boy) and he requests that Mufasa (or whatever the lion's name is) send him back to Earth to investigate his murder and bring the killer to justice! So, he's reincarnated as a human and is a hard boiled doggy detective...and he's assisted by a horse who has been reincarnated as a lady.
If this plot sounds completely insane, then, well, you pretty much have a clear picture of the film. It is enjoyable at times but also dopey at others. It falls into the category of a must-see, however, not because it's good but because of a major Hollywood star doing a film THAT weird and, well, silly. Powell tries his best but it's a pretty inconsequential film.
When the story begins, you learn that Rex the German Shepherd inherited millions from his deceased owner. As a result, Rex now lives a nice life and is cared for be Ellen (Peggy Dow). However, after she meets a seemingly kind man and falls for him, SOMEONE poisons Rex and the doggy dies.
The scene switches to some annoying version of Animal Heaven where it's presided over Mufasa. I say annoying because the film footage is all shown in negative....and it's hard on the eyes. Anyway, Rex is there (since he was such a good boy) and he requests that Mufasa (or whatever the lion's name is) send him back to Earth to investigate his murder and bring the killer to justice! So, he's reincarnated as a human and is a hard boiled doggy detective...and he's assisted by a horse who has been reincarnated as a lady.
If this plot sounds completely insane, then, well, you pretty much have a clear picture of the film. It is enjoyable at times but also dopey at others. It falls into the category of a must-see, however, not because it's good but because of a major Hollywood star doing a film THAT weird and, well, silly. Powell tries his best but it's a pretty inconsequential film.
Very clever idea, acted superbly, and good effects
nickhawkes23 January 2003
A great idea for a film, a very good cast well acted. The scenery and locations were done well and the special effects for the time were stunning, especially in Animal Heaven. A comfortable funny feel good film you can watch again and again. It would not have been the same if it had been in colour. One for the DVD / Video collection if you could get hold of it.
Beastatory--wow!
jumaward15 March 2002
Amusing 'screwball comedy' which will appeal to dog lovers
robert-temple-119 December 2013
'Woof woof!', that's what I say. This is a film (variously called YOU NEVER CAN TELL and YOU NEVER KNOW) in which a deceased dog, a German shepherd, is given permission to return to earth for a limited time as a human detective to solve his own murder and to clear the nice woman, his former mistress, blamed for the crime. Dick Powell, in his most congenial mode, plays the returned dog, posing as a private investigator named Rex Shepherd who sits around munching on dog biscuits when he is not looking for clues. Yes, it all sounds ridiculous, but it is done with such a light touch and such good humour that it is a most enjoyable film. And it is of special appeal to those of us who believe that dogs are in many ways superior to humans anyway. The reason why everyone is so excited about the murder of the dog is that his original owner died and left his six million dollar fortune to the dog, and as usual there are some wicked humans scheming for that stuff, which is useless to dogs, called money. This was the only feature film directed by Lou Breslow (1900-1987), who was better known as a film writer. Not only did he write this film, but he wrote 78 others, including in this very same year, both BEDTIME FOR BONZO, starring Ronald Reagan, and MY FAVORITE SPY starring Bob Hope and Hedy Lamarr. Breslow must have felt very strongly about dogs to push himself forward as director for this film. There are some very amusing scenes in Animal Heaven (doubtless located at the Dog Star, though this secret is not revealed), and the whole film is not only most enjoyable but often hilarious. However, humourless people need not apply. If you don't know how to laugh (and it is amazing how many people don't, especially these days when dour humourlessness is on the rise), then go watch a war movie or something instead of enjoying this light-hearted romp. But the rest of us can sit back and have a good time watching Dog Justice being done and Dog Ethics triumphing over human greed. (If only we could set the dogs on today's psychopathic bankers, now wouldn't that be a good idea!) The actress Peggy Dow, who only appeared in films between 1949 and 1951, unexpectedly retiring 'for domestic reasons' just as she was really getting going, is charming as Ellen, whom 'Rex Shepherd' wishes to clear of his murder. What a loss to the screen that she dropped out like that. So sit back, munch your dog biscuits, and enjoy seeing how dogs can handle things when human affairs need straightening out.
a real (dog) treat
jimi998 September 2003
This is an especially enjoyable film for animal lovers, with lots of puns and sight gags involving a dog and horse who have been returned to earth from animal heaven, in human form, to track down the murderer of one of them. There is a fair amount of silliness, but ultimately this engaging comedy has a lot to say about human nature and the animal species that we are so attached to, particularly the canine and equine varieties. This is truly one for all ages, I would like to think that small (and older) children could sit still for this black & white gem, and enjoy it immensely.
"Humanimals" are "King"
amarak10 September 1999
This movie is great. My wife and I adore it. There is no violence. It is a comedy that can be watched over and over. This is a true classic.
I wish it was available on video or DVD (yes it is that good). Basic story:- King the German Shepherd is left a fortune when his owner dies, someone poisons him and he returns to earth as a PI called Rex Shepherd to bring his killer to justice. I won't tell you any more as it will spoil it for you. Bye........
I wish it was available on video or DVD (yes it is that good). Basic story:- King the German Shepherd is left a fortune when his owner dies, someone poisons him and he returns to earth as a PI called Rex Shepherd to bring his killer to justice. I won't tell you any more as it will spoil it for you. Bye........
Unusual and Enjoyable
Maleejandra3 July 2008
This very enjoyable and somewhat bizarre movie is one of the best kept secrets of the 1950s. The movie begins with Ellen Hathaway (Peggy Dow) and the German Shepherd named King. King has inherited his owners fortune and the estate is to be looked after by his secretary, Miss Hathaway. King is a happy dog, but someone his unhappy about his inheritance and poisons him. Off he goes to Beastatory where he awaits judgment. Although he has been a good dog, he requests to return to Earth so he can reveal his killer. He returns as a private eye named Rex Shepherd (Dick Powell) under the watchful eye of a reincarnated horse Goldie (Joyce Holden) and stirs up all kinds of trouble.
A great movie for kids and adults alike, You Never Can Tell combines just the right amount of fantasy and reality to create a believable and fun film. It is not cheesy, but there are plenty of silly jokes like Rex munching on dog kibble and Goldie outrunning buses.
Hopefully this title will be formally released, but until then we will have to settle for ebay prints and TV broadcasts.
A great movie for kids and adults alike, You Never Can Tell combines just the right amount of fantasy and reality to create a believable and fun film. It is not cheesy, but there are plenty of silly jokes like Rex munching on dog kibble and Goldie outrunning buses.
Hopefully this title will be formally released, but until then we will have to settle for ebay prints and TV broadcasts.
A great movie for a lazy afternoon
glefeber18 April 2006
I just happen to come across this movie as I am watching TV on a lazy afternoon. Thats back before a certain classic movie channel decided to annoy everyone by inserting TV ads during a movie. That is also when I used to watch AMC a lot and I was on the right channel at the right time. This movie is a true classic. I have yet to see another film like this one. Very enjoyable. I hope someday TCM takes a hint and brings it back. That is so other people can see it. They will not be disappointed. Anyone who watched Sky King will recognize Moose Tanner as the guy with a headlock on "Rex" in jail. So if anyone should happen to come across this movie on their guide, sit back and enjoy. It does not get boring towards the end like some movies do and it will always what they will say next.
Dick Powell is terrific in this old Universal fantasy
AlsExGal29 November 2014
If you buy only one of those overpriced Universal Vault MODs, buy this one! If you buy two, then buy "If I Were King" starring Ronald Colman, but that is another story.
I'd like to think that Dick Powell was wealthy enough by 1951 that he could largely pick his projects, because this one is a gem of Dick Powell parodying the Dick Powell PI persona of the noirs. He plays a German Shepherd dog, King, who inherits a large fortune from an eccentric owner and then is murdered by poison. When he arrives in Animal Heaven (Beastatory) he says he knows who his murderer is and wants time back on earth to bring that murderer to justice. It's not just his untimely death that requires his attention, his kindly keeper was next in line for the estate, and down on earth she is suspect number one, so he also wants to clear her name in the process.
King is given that chance, but he must return to Animal Heaven by the new moon or forever remain a "Humanimal" - human in form, animal in nature. To become a humanimal and return to earth not knowing that you are one is the punishment of bad animals. King will return knowing his state and his mission with all of the memories of his previous existence. He is given a deceased Kentucky race horse as his companion and helper on his mission.
It's just hilarious seeing Dick Powell returned to earth as "Rex Shepherd, PI" sitting in a spartan office talking like Philip Marlowe and nibbling on dog kibble instead of peanuts and cowering in doorways whenever the dog catcher appears, forgetting he is in human form. Goldie, his human-horse companion, has hat styles that are pure palomino. The murderer is no mystery - you learn the identity pretty much up front. The trick is catching the perpetrator. Also, as a humanimal, Rex finds he is having new rather confusing feelings for the beautiful young lady who was his keeper during his life as a dog. How can this all work out and not bust the production code wide open? Watch and find out.
Let me also say that the transfer is outstanding on the Universal Vault DVD. All I have seen in the past are poor VHS transfers from past TV airings. This one is worth going back to again and again for the hilarity and the magic of it all. A great family film, a great holiday film, a great film anytime you need cheering up.
Forgive me for mentioning specific products in this review, but this one DVD transfer is the only way I know to see a good copy of the film.
I'd like to think that Dick Powell was wealthy enough by 1951 that he could largely pick his projects, because this one is a gem of Dick Powell parodying the Dick Powell PI persona of the noirs. He plays a German Shepherd dog, King, who inherits a large fortune from an eccentric owner and then is murdered by poison. When he arrives in Animal Heaven (Beastatory) he says he knows who his murderer is and wants time back on earth to bring that murderer to justice. It's not just his untimely death that requires his attention, his kindly keeper was next in line for the estate, and down on earth she is suspect number one, so he also wants to clear her name in the process.
King is given that chance, but he must return to Animal Heaven by the new moon or forever remain a "Humanimal" - human in form, animal in nature. To become a humanimal and return to earth not knowing that you are one is the punishment of bad animals. King will return knowing his state and his mission with all of the memories of his previous existence. He is given a deceased Kentucky race horse as his companion and helper on his mission.
It's just hilarious seeing Dick Powell returned to earth as "Rex Shepherd, PI" sitting in a spartan office talking like Philip Marlowe and nibbling on dog kibble instead of peanuts and cowering in doorways whenever the dog catcher appears, forgetting he is in human form. Goldie, his human-horse companion, has hat styles that are pure palomino. The murderer is no mystery - you learn the identity pretty much up front. The trick is catching the perpetrator. Also, as a humanimal, Rex finds he is having new rather confusing feelings for the beautiful young lady who was his keeper during his life as a dog. How can this all work out and not bust the production code wide open? Watch and find out.
Let me also say that the transfer is outstanding on the Universal Vault DVD. All I have seen in the past are poor VHS transfers from past TV airings. This one is worth going back to again and again for the hilarity and the magic of it all. A great family film, a great holiday film, a great film anytime you need cheering up.
Forgive me for mentioning specific products in this review, but this one DVD transfer is the only way I know to see a good copy of the film.
What dirty dog would poison a dog. Rex Shepheard knows.
gaffer-521 November 1998
I enjoyed this movie from start to finish. Everyone in front of, and behind the camera, did their job. Do you like Dick Powell, animals, mystery, romance? Check this one out, it is worth your time. There is a race horse in here that is the cutest, and fastest little filly I have ever seen.
A millionaire dies leaving his fortune to his faithful dog....,
caronbc24 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
*** This review may contain spoilers *** I truly love this movie and wish they would release it on DVD. It is very clever and funny. A millionaire dies, leaving his fortune to his German Shephard with his secretary in charge of the money and the dog. The dog is poisoned and the girl is blamed for his death. When the dog goes to heaven, he tells the higher authorities that it wasn't the girl who killed him and he is the only one who can put things right. He is given one month (one moon cycle) to prove her innocence and so he is sent down to earth as an 'humanimal' (an animal soul in human form) and he is given a secretary (a horse) to help him.
The next scene opens with him in an office with a sign on the window "Rex Shephard - Private Detective". He is sitting at his desk and he is nibbling something out of a bag in one of his drawers which turns out to be doggy kibble. His secretary (the horse) has a feed/nose bag for a handbag and has horse shoes on the soles of her human shoes. And so it goes..... I won't spoil it, by listing the clever animal cross human jokes, for anyone who is lucky enough to see it. I have not seen it for over 20 years; and believe me, I have been looking.
It is a wonderfully, lighthearted movie for all ages. Although, I'm sure the older you are the more you would get the subtleties of some of the jokes.
It was also released as "You Never Know"
The next scene opens with him in an office with a sign on the window "Rex Shephard - Private Detective". He is sitting at his desk and he is nibbling something out of a bag in one of his drawers which turns out to be doggy kibble. His secretary (the horse) has a feed/nose bag for a handbag and has horse shoes on the soles of her human shoes. And so it goes..... I won't spoil it, by listing the clever animal cross human jokes, for anyone who is lucky enough to see it. I have not seen it for over 20 years; and believe me, I have been looking.
It is a wonderfully, lighthearted movie for all ages. Although, I'm sure the older you are the more you would get the subtleties of some of the jokes.
It was also released as "You Never Know"
One of the funniest pooches ever !
nicholas.rhodes2 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This is a most original film. I have an excellent copy taped from French TV a few years back. It is a kind of a reverse "Fluke" but instead of a man coming back as a dog, we have a mutt coming back as a man. Also this film is extremely funny, in no small measure do to the excellent and flippant performance of Dick Powell and his female horse companion. I don't know who on earth could have dreamed this idea up but he/she was onto a winner. I am also curious to learn the title of Rex's Favourite Tune which Powell hears the young lady playing on the piano when he returns on a night visit to find evidence of his murder. Fluke had me weeping, but this film had me laughing most of the way through and I was a little surprised by the ending. The Heaven of Beasts is also well done special effects wise and I always have pleasure in seeing animals "speak" with human voices. I am not saying that animals watching would necessarily have the same opinion as me on this subject but there you have it. This film would do well to be available on DVD and to be publicised as its appeal and charm are absolutely TIMELESS !!
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