Footrot Flats: The Dog’s Tale

Wal Footrot runs a farm on Footrot Flats with help from neighbor Cooch, Rangi, and his niece Pongo. The film establishes a rural New Zealand setting and a tight-knit but contentious community. The Murphys quickly emerge as a disruptive presence nearby.

The Murphys buzz Wal's shed with their 'deer slayer' helicopter as they try to steal Cooch's deer and stag. In the chaos, Dog bolts into a sheep dip and seems to drown. Wal rescues and revives him, renewing their unbreakable bond.

The near-drowning triggers a flashback where Dog recalls being given as a puppy to Wal by Aunt Dolly and his first meeting with Jess. The memory deepens his loyalty to Wal and foreshadows his love for Jess. The moment adds emotional depth to the farm's daily routine.

Wal pursues his romance with hairdresser Cheeky Hobson and aims to charm a selector for the New Zealand All Blacks. Dog resents Wal's attention shifting away from Jess and the farm. The two strands of Wal's life create tension on the property.

A flood sweeps Jess toward the Murphys' farm, where she faces danger from rats and aggressive croco-pigs. Dog leaps to her defense, rescuing her from the rats and saving her life. The escape escalates the conflict with Irish Murphy.

After the rescue, Irish Murphy pursues Dog and Jess, driving them to flee their safety. The chase heightens the sense that the Murphys will stop at nothing to reclaim control of the Farm and its inhabitants. Dog's loyalty to Jess becomes more evident.

Rangi manages to pull Wal away from a rugby game and heads him toward the Murphys' farm. The detour drags the group deeper into the escalating danger surrounding Jess, Dog, and the Murphys. The farm's residents rally around the central conflict.

Dog and Jess escape on a raft accompanied by Horse, a fearless cat who has been shot by Irish Murphy. They drift toward the sea, pursued by danger as the Murphys close in. The bond between human, dog, and animal companion is tested by the treacherous voyage.

Wal and Rangi manage to rescue Jess from the raft, but Dog and Horse are swept farther out to sea. The dangers of the Murphys' pursuit push the group to act decisively to save their loved ones. Tension peaks as the sea becomes the final barrier between them and safety.

A colossal wave carries Dog and Horse toward the beach, where they are dumped ashore alive. The community rushes to the coastline, scanning the surf for signs of their vanished companions. Joy and relief replace fear as the dogs return.

Jess's safety is confirmed as Wal, Rangi, Pongo, Cooch, and Jess regroup on the shore. The bond among the farm's residents strengthens as danger recedes. Dog's role in saving Jess becomes a defining moment for the family.

The film ends with Dog and Jess proudly parenting a litter of puppies, signaling a hopeful future for their on-farm family. The pastoral life resumes with renewed warmth and community spirit. Peace returns to Footrot Flats as the sun sets.