The Underdog is a 1943 American drama film directed by William Nigh and starring Barton MacLane, Jan Wiley and Charlotte Wynters.
It is a story of how a dog overcomes his fear of fire when his young master is endangered by saboteurs.
Synopsis
After losing his farm, a man moves to a small town in World War II. His elder son is away serving in the army, while his younger boy struggles to fit in and clashes with a neighbourhood gang.
Cast
Barton MacLane as John Tate
Bobby Larson as Henry Tate
Jan Wiley as Ämy Tate
Charlotte Wynters as Mrs. Bailey
Conrad Binyon a Spike
Elizabeth Valentine as Mrs. Connors
Kenneth Harlan as Eddie Mohr
George Anderson as Kraeger
Jack Kennedy as Officer O'Toole
Frank Ellis as Old Timer
I. Stanford Jolley as Friendly Soldier
Jack Rockwell as Fireman
Production and release
Production started in late July 1943. The film was released on October, 10 1943.
Distribution
Because of the presence of scenes showing sabotage, the War Department rejected this film from export.
References
Bibliography
Parish, James Robert & Pitts, Michael R. Film directors: a guide to their American films. Scarecrow Press, 1974.