The Shaggy D.A.

The Shaggy D.A.

Year: 1976

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Stevenson

FantasyComedyFamily

While on vacation, lawyer Wilby Daniels returns home to find his house burglarized, prompting him to run for District Attorney against the corrupt John Slade. As his campaign progresses, a bizarre twist complicates matters: a stolen mystical ring threatens to transform him into a sheepdog. Wilby must now contend with both political corruption and the unpredictable chaos of his potential canine transformation in his quest for justice.

Whimsical
Happy ending
Emotionally light
Low intensity
Fast pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Shaggy D.A. yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Shaggy D.A. (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shaggy D.A. (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting reflecting the 20th century, where issues of crime, political corruption, and family values play a significant role. The era showcases a blend of societal norms that are revealed through the characters' interactions and their responses to challenges.

Location

Medfield

Medfield is a small town known for its close-knit community and local charm. It features landmarks such as the museum where the valuable Borgia ring is kept, which becomes central to the plot. The town's tranquility is disrupted by crime and the political ambitions of its residents.

🏙️ Town 🏛️ Museum

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Main Characters – The Shaggy D.A. (1976)

Meet the key characters of The Shaggy D.A. (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Wilby Daniels (Dean Jones)

Wilby is a determined and caring father who transitions from a successful attorney to a reluctant dog due to an ancient curse. He embodies the struggle to balance personal ambition with family responsibilities, showcasing resilience and ingenuity in overcoming challenges. His character reflects themes of justice and transformation.

👨‍⚖️ Attorney 🐕 Dog 🚀 Determination

John Slade (Keenan Wynn)

John Slade is the charming yet unscrupulous district attorney whose connection to organized crime poses a significant threat to the safety of Medfield. His character serves as a foil to Wilby, highlighting the complexities of morality in a position of power. Ultimately, his arrogance leads to his downfall.

⚖️ Corruption 😈 Villain 🔍 Manipulation

Tim (Tim Conway)

Tim is a quirky ice cream salesman and a supportive friend to Wilby, providing comic relief throughout the movie. His loyalty and comedic antics contribute to the light-hearted moments, while also being pivotal in aiding Wilby during his challenges. Tim’s character symbolizes friendship and support.

🍦 Ice Cream 😂 Comedy 🤝 Friendship

Katrinka (Jo Anne Worley)

Katrinka is a pastry assistant and Tim’s girlfriend, bringing a sense of warmth and romantic subplot to the story. Her character plays a crucial role in the quest for the Borgia ring, demonstrating both resourcefulness and bravery in the face of chaos. She represents the theme of love amid turmoil.

🍰 Pastry 💕 Romance 🎉 Resourcefulness

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Major Themes – The Shaggy D.A. (1976)

Explore the central themes of The Shaggy D.A. (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐶 Transformation

Transformation is a central theme in 'The Shaggy D.A.', symbolizing personal growth and change. The transformation of Wilby into a dog represents his struggle with responsibility and the desire to protect his family and community. Additionally, the theme highlights the humorous yet serious implications of identity and self-perception.

⚖️ Justice

The pursuit of justice is prominent as Wilby runs for district attorney to restore safety in Medfield. Throughout the film, the narrative explores themes of accountability, trust, and the fight against corruption, especially in relation to organized crime. Wilby's journey exemplifies the challenges one faces when striving for ethical integrity.

💔 Romance

Romantic elements are woven into the storyline, particularly through Tim and Katrinka's relationship. Their interaction brings lightness and warmth to the narrative, showcasing love’s ability to thrive amid chaos. The growing bond between them represents the potential for harmony and partnership in pursuits beyond just the main plotline.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with chaotic magical mishaps like The Shaggy D.A.

Stories where a magical object causes escalating, unpredictable mayhem.If you liked the magical ring chaos in The Shaggy D.A., you'll enjoy these movies where a single enchanted object triggers a series of hilarious, unpredictable events. These lighthearted comedies feature bumbling characters, whimsical transformations, and fast-paced slapstick adventures.

sillychaoticplayfulwhimsicalcomicallightheartedmagical

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically involve an ordinary protagonist obtaining or encountering a magical artifact that malfunctions or has unintended consequences. The plot is driven by the artifact repeatedly causing trouble, often changing hands and triggering comedic set-pieces that escalate in absurdity until a final, satisfying resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to whimsical, low-stakes chaos generated by a magical element. They deliver a consistent experience of playful anarchy, lighthearted fun, and a fast pace where the primary conflict stems from magical interference rather than genuine danger.

Lighthearted family adventure movies like The Shaggy D.A.

Uplifting, fast-paced capers with a mix of crime and heart.Fans of The Shaggy D.A. will enjoy these similar lighthearted family adventures. These films combine a playful tone, a fast pace, and a silly central premise involving bumbling criminals, quirky heroes, and an ultimately happy, uplifting ending for a fun viewing experience.

upliftingadventurousplayfullightheartedcomicalfamily friendlysilly

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves an underdog hero taking on a seemingly larger-than-life but ultimately harmless antagonist. The journey is filled with slapstick humor, chases, and comical obstacles. The stakes are personal and local, never becoming truly dark, and the story concludes with a positive, heartwarming resolution that reinforces family and community values.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared vibe: a fast, whimsical pace, a light emotional weight, and a focus on silly, adventurous fun over genuine tension. They provide a cohesive experience of escapist entertainment that is both exciting and reassuring, perfect for a family audience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Shaggy D.A.

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Shaggy D.A. in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Shaggy D.A. is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Shaggy D.A. Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Shaggy D.A., including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Shaggy D.A. Summary

The Shaggy D.A. Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Shaggy D.A. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Shaggy D.A. Timeline

The Shaggy D.A. Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Shaggy D.A. that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Shaggy D.A. Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Shaggy D.A.

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Shaggy D.A.: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Shaggy D.A.

Explore More About Movie The Shaggy D.A.

The Shaggy D.A. (1976) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Shaggy D.A. (1976) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Shaggy D.A. (1976) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow