Chow Hound (1951) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Bulldog compels cat and mouse into a dinner-scam scheme

A large bulldog bullies a frightened cat and a tough-talking mouse into a series of scams to obtain dinner. The dog belittles the cat, calling it 'Stupid' repeatedly, and the trio reluctantly goes along with the mischief. Their scheme becomes a recurring pattern as they target meals from several unsuspecting places.

The bulldog punishes the cat for returning with meat but no gravy

After each failed score, the bulldog punishes the cat for delivering meat without gravy, insisting his hunger justifies the abuse. The cat endures the discipline while the dog laments that he is forever starving. The coerced teamwork continues as the dog hatches new ways to profit.

Where

dog's lair

Plan to treat the cat as a pet for three residents

The bulldog outlines a plan to treat the cat as a real pet for three unwitting residents, priming each to provide meals as rewards. The cat and mouse reluctantly agree to participate to survive, though they resent being used. The scheme marks the start of a house-by-house con operation.

Where

three residences

Cat poses as a pet for Residence 1

The cat performs as a genuine pet for the first resident, helping the bulldog collect a reward. The resident is satisfied, which encourages the dog to press on with the other targets. The cat glances at the growing pile of loot with mixed emotions.

Where

Residence 1

Cat poses as a pet for Residence 2

The cat resumes the ruse for the second resident, once again enabling the bulldog to claim a reward. The dog revels in the success while the cat grows increasingly tired of the deception. The mouse keeps score and watches the accumulating payday.

Where

Residence 2

Cat poses as a pet for Residence 3

As the third residence takes the cat as a pet, the bulldog racks up another payday. The cat and mouse tolerate the deception for survival while the dog screams about being 'set for life' and 'never hungry again'.

Where

Residence 3

Cat becomes a zoo exhibit

The bulldog expands the scam by presenting the cat as a hunting prize or exhibit at a municipal zoo. Visitors fall for the disguise, and the dog pockets more income as he moves the cat between displays.

Where

Municipal zoo

Dog spots reward sign and plans to hostage the cat

The dog complains that progress is too slow, then spots a newspaper sign offering rewards for lost animals. He decides to hold the cat hostage to trigger more lucrative postings in the papers. This marks a darker turn as he plots to exploit the rewards system.

Missing-animals article guides the plan

The bulldog studies the missing-animals article in the newspaper to locate the owners' addresses and map out the big scam. He rehearses how to return the cat to each owner, collect the rewards, and reclaim the cat afterward. The cat and mouse feel the weight of the plan and exchange wary glances.

Return-and-recover routine begins

One by one, the bulldog returns the cat to each owner, pockets the reward, and then uses a trick-bed to secretly reclaim the cat. The cat remains a silent participant, while the dog revels in the cash slipping into his paws. The scheme appears to be succeeding as more rewards accumulate.

Prize to the zoo and the loot climax

With the cat in tow, the bulldog presents the 'saber-tooth alley cat' as a hunting prize to the zoo, completing the con and drumming up further interest. The zoo accepts the claim, and the dog basks in his planned prosperity. The cat and mouse watch the ruse with growing unease.

Where

zoo

Gains fund a new butcher shop

Flush with the loot, the bulldog buys a butcher shop and boasts that he is set for life and will never starve again. The cat and mouse exchange tense looks, recognizing that the con has spiraled beyond their control. The victory feels hollow as greed tightens its grip.

Where

butcher shop

Final hospital reveal of overeating

Back at the dog-and-cat hospital, the bulldog's greed has left him obese and immobile. Two doctors diagnose a distinct case of overeating and hurry to treat the bizarre condition. The scene underscores the consequences of the dog's gluttony.

Where

dog-and-cat hospital

Cat and mouse confront the dog

Two visitors—the cat and the mouse—arrive in the operating room, and the cat speaks for the first time with a menacing line about gravy. The nervous dog protests but cannot stop them from taking action. A tense moment seals the alliance between the cat and mouse against their tormentor.

Where

operating room

Gravy revenge: the funnel finale

The mouse jams a large funnel into the dog's mouth and the cat directs a torrent of gravy from an institutional-sized canister. The dog gasps and gurgles as the two saviors secure their victory. The ending iris-out emphasizes the cat and mouse’s revenge against their canine tormentor.

Where

dog-and-cat hospital