THE TRIAL OF OLD DRUM. 2000

Cast:

Ron Perlman. Randy Travis. John Schuck. Bobby Edner. Scott Bakula.
Alexis O'Keefe. Dick Martin. Troy Evans.

Directed by Sean McNamara
Writing credits: Ralph Gaby Wilson
Distributed by Porchlight Entertainment

Inspired by a true story set in Missouri, "The Trial of Old Drum" tells the story of a valiant golden retriever, Old Drum, an orphan dog that becomes a boy's best friend and is then forced to stand trial for killing a neighbour's sheep. Charlie Burden [Bobby Edner] is a typical eleven-year old boy growing up on a farm in Western Missouri. His summer days are spent helping his dad [Ron Perlman] run the family farm, while also finding time to go fishing at nearby Miller's Lake, always accompanied by his faithful golden retriever, Old Drum. Scheming with his best friend Dee [Alia Shawkat] to build a secret raft, Charlie nearly drowns, only to be rescued by Old Drum. But Charlie's life is turned upside down when his cantankerous Uncle Lon [John Schuck] accuses Old Drum of killing his sheep. The town is divided over Drum's guilt or innocence, and an old family wound begins to fester. Losing sheep in this part of the country is not taken lightly. Looking to rid the town of a sheep killing menace, Lon files a lawsuit seeking to have Old Drum put to death. Desperate to save Old Drum, Charlie and his father try to obtain the services of one of the state's best known lawyers, George Graham Vest [Scott Bakula]. At first hesitant, Vest is genuinely moved by Charlie's pleas to save his dog and agrees to take the case. As the trial progresses, the evidence mounts against Old Drum. Having exhausted all legal manoeuvring, Vest has one chance left; his closing argument. Vest knows that this speech is a matter of life and death for Old Drum. As he turns to face the jury, he instils in the community and forever memorialises the phrase that "A dog is a man's best friend."

This description is from Porchlight Entertainment's promotional flyer.

 


THE TRIAL OF OLD DRUM. 2000

Reviewed by Lynn Wright

I don't think "Old Drum", which is based on a true incident, is anything more than a pleasant family film, but I loved it for Ron's role. In this film he plays Charles Burden, a farmer in 1950's mid-America, a widower, middle aged and a little bit lonely, struggling to bring up his son alone. It was refreshing to see him smile and talk softly and be a gentle man and a wonderful father. A sympathetic role doesn't happen too often to Mr. Perlman, we have to appreciate it all the more when something like this comes along.

I haven't seen "A Stoning in Fulham County", I've never been able to find it anywhere, but that's the other role that I thought of when I saw this film. I've seen bits and pieces of it, and I think Ron's character, Charles, must be quite a bit like the man he played in "Stoning", but without the tragic events of that film.

The film revolves around the son, Charlie, and his love for his dog, Old Drum. Old Drum is accused of killing sheep, a capitol offense in a farming community. Of course he's innocent, but the case goes to trial, and a speech is made by the defense attorney which has become famous as a tribute to our canine friends. And of course he softens the hearts of the jury, and Old Drum is acquitted.

It's a movie that's bound to appeal to children. In fact, a friend told me that her ten year old son was angry when she preempted the TV, but ten minutes into the movie he was hooked. However, I believe that anyone, young or old, who enjoys quietly entertaining films will like Old Drum. It's a wholesome and heart-warming film, and believe it or not, Ron gets the girl. And kisses her, too.

Lynn Wright. September 2000.