One of the principal actors in "The Artist" has been getting a lot of press, so much that several commentators were shocked he didn't receive an Oscar nomination. Alas, they don't have one for his category. If this sounds a little cryptic, I'll just have to come right and say that that cast member in question happens to be Uggie the dog. So since Uggie has been getting so much attention, this got me to thinking about other super-star Dogs from movie history, so this addition of Top 5 is devoted to my favorite canine movie contributors.
1. Lassie - who can resist the big collie with the flowing mane? She's loyal, and she knows where to go for help every time Timmie falls in the well. And she always comes home. (And yes, "she" is played by a boy pooch.)
2. Asta - This pooch was a huge star in the 30's and 40's, in the popular "Thin Man" series. Not only did he get to hang out with William Powell and Myrna Loy, but he was often smarter, and more sober than his owner.
3. Toto - Admittedly, I'm not a fan of "The Wizard of Oz". But not only does this classic pooch have to follow the yellow brick road with a bunch of weirdly dressed folks, he has to do it while stuffed in a basket. And he has to take on flying monkeys. Poor thing deserves a nod just for not having to go into therapy afterwards.
4. Hachi - This dog takes the award for loyalty, and does it in both Japanese and English. No matter which version of the movie you're watching, who doesn't dissolve into tears every time they see Hachi the Akita waiting every day at the train station for his deceased owner. I hope someone or some pooch remembers me like that after I'm gone.
5. Skip - This little guy gets additional votes just for being in Mississippi. He and Frankie Muniz grow up together in the small-town South, and Skip can now be used as a link in "Six Degrees to Kevin Bacon". Priceless.
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