Clifford's Really Big Movie (2004) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Clifford overhears his human parents discussing financial troubles with Mr. Bleakman. He mistakenly believes he is the cause of their money problems because he eats a lot. To help ease the family's financial burden, he decides to join Larry's Amazing Animals and enter the Tummy Yummies contest, hoping to win a lifetime supply of food.

Foreshadowing: Early in the film, Clifford's large appetite is shown as he eagerly joins Emily-Elizabeth for carnival festivities, establishing his concern about being a burden.

• clifford
• financial trouble
• join show
• emily-elizabeth

CEO George C. Wolfsbottom tricks Larry into signing a contract that legally transfers full custody of Clifford to him. This means Clifford would become the property of Wolfsbottom and his spoiled daughter Madison, permanently separating Clifford from Emily-Elizabeth.

Foreshadowing: P.T. and Larry discuss needing to enhance their show's appeal before the contest, creating the opportunity for Wolfsbottom to exploit them.

• george c wolfsbottom
• contract
• custody
• trick
• larry

Shackelford, the ferret who was previously the star of Larry's Amazing Animals, becomes jealous because Clifford's massive size and impressive stunts quickly overshadow him. The audience's attention shifts to Clifford, and Shackelford fears he is being replaced as the main attraction.

Foreshadowing: The show's initial poor reception establishes that each performer struggles to impress, setting up the contrast when Clifford arrives and excels.

• shackelford
• jealous
• ferret
• clifford
• fame

After Larry contacts Emily-Elizabeth about the situation, she rushes to Mr. Wolfsbottom's mansion. When she arrives, she confronts Wolfsbottom and contests his legal claim over Clifford. Her timely arrival interrupts the plan to keep Clifford permanently, leading Wolfsbottom to concede and release him.

Foreshadowing: Larry expresses concern about the contract's implications, setting in motion the phone call to Emily-Elizabeth that brings her to the rescue.

• emily-elizabeth
• mansion
• rescue
• wolfsbottom
• clifford

George C. Wolfsbottom wants Clifford for his spoiled daughter Madison, who desires the giant red dog as a pet. Despite already having many expensive toys, Madison wants Clifford specifically because of his uniqueness and impressive size.

Foreshadowing: The Tummy Yummies contest is framed as offering fame and wealth, attracting Wolfsbottom's corporate interest in the animals.

• george c wolfsbottom
• madison
• clifford
• keep dog

When Larry refuses to accept animals that have owners, Cleo cleverly comes up with a plan. She tells Larry that their identification tags are actually dog-catcher decoys being kept safe in a crate, convincing him to let them join the troupe without revealing they have owners.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Larry explains he only accepts animals without owners, creating the obstacle that Cleo must overcome.

• cleo
• t-bone
• identification tags
• larry
• join show

After Shackelford openly criticizes Clifford and says the troupe would be better off without him, Clifford becomes deeply discouraged. Combined with his longing for Emily-Elizabeth, he considers abandoning the show and returning to Birdwell Island.

Foreshadowing: Shackelford's jealousy builds progressively, from initial concern about losing the spotlight to open resentment voiced to the entire troupe.

• clifford
• leave show
• shackelford
• jealous
• emily-elizabeth

After Emily-Elizabeth reclaims Clifford from Mr. Wolfsbottom, he gifts Clifford a lifetime supply of Tummy Yummies dog food. This prize directly addresses the financial concerns Clifford overheard at the beginning, as the food supply eliminates the expense that troubled his owners.

Foreshadowing: The Tummy Yummies contest is introduced early as offering a lifetime supply of treats, establishing the stakes and potential solution.

• tummy yummies
• contest
• prize
• lifetime supply
• financial

After seeing Clifford's genuine kindness and courage, and realizing how his jealousy hurt his friend, Shackelford experiences self-reflection. He acknowledges his mistakes and apologizes to Clifford, wanting to mend their friendship before the rescue mission.

Foreshadowing: Shackelford's growing jealousy is contrasted with Clifford's continued loyalty and helpful nature toward all the animals.

• shackelford
• apology
• jealous
• forgiveness
• rescue

During their performance, Clifford's impressive stunts and encouraging presence help boost the confidence of the other animals. Specifically, Dorothy the Daring Cow overcomes her fear of heights thanks to Clifford's influence, allowing her to perform better and receive applause.

Foreshadowing: The initial performances show each animal struggling, with Dorothy's fear specifically mentioned as a limitation.

• clifford
• dorothy
• cow
• fear heights
• performance