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.

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Timeline – The Shaggy D.A. (1976)

Trace every key event in The Shaggy D.A. (1976) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Robbery

Upon returning to Medfield from their vacation, the Daniels family realizes they have been robbed. The crime heightens tensions, especially for Wilby Daniels, who suspects district attorney John Slade's involvement with organized crime.

Medfield
2

Wilby Vows to Take Action

After being robbed a second time on the same night, Wilby becomes determined to run for district attorney. His motivation is to restore safety in his town and hold those responsible for the crimes accountable.

Medfield
3

The Borgia Ring Theft

Freddie and Dip, the thieves, learn about the valuable Borgia ring at a museum and decide to steal it. Their plans lead them deeper into trouble as they do not realize the ring's true implications.

Museum
4

The Ice Cream Salesman

Tim, an ice cream salesman, becomes entangled in the plot as he possesses knowledge about the Borgia ring. Meanwhile, he hopes to impress his girlfriend, Katrinka, as he plans to gift her the ring.

5

The Transformation Begins

Wilby hears news about the stolen ring and grows anxious. He fears the ring's inscription could turn him into a shaggy dog, which adds to the tension as the story unfolds.

6

The Live TV Incident

Before his live television debut, Tim accidentally reads the Borgia ring's inscription. This triggers Wilby's transformation into the dog, Elwood, right in front of cameras, creating chaos.

Television Studio
7

Public Address Gone Wrong

While giving a speech at a ladies garden club, Wilby transforms back while still trying to maintain his dignity. The incident escalates into chaos as he leaves the crowd confused and frightened.

Ladies Garden Club
8

The Unraveling Mystery

Detective Raymond, working with Slade, begins to notice Wilby's strange disappearances. The plot thickens as he pursues the truth behind these odd events.

9

The Pie Filling Search

Katrinka loses the Borgia ring in a vat of pie filling during an event. This leads to a humorous and messy pie fight, as everyone scrambles to find the ring for a reward.

10

Ring Recovered

The thugs retrieve the ring during the pie fight, attempting to sell it to an undercover detective. This situation brings a new layer of tension as Wilby's connection to the ring grows.

11

The Test of the Curse

Slade learns about Wilby's transformations and invites him to his office to test the inscription theory. The reading of the inscription causes Wilby to become trapped in Elwood's form.

Slade's Office
12

The Escape Plan

Wilby, now in the body of Elwood, attempts to evade capture by Slade, who uses his authority to track him down. This leads to a chase with excitement and suspense.

13

Gathering Allies

With the help of his son, Brian, and Tim, Wilby devises a plan to gather evidence against Slade. They uncover Slade's criminal connections, using the ring as leverage.

14

The Turning of the Tables

Wilby and Tim trick Slade into a confrontation at Roshak's warehouse. In a twist of fate, the evidence collected leads to Slade's downfall as he finds himself transformed into a dog.

Roshak's Warehouse
15

A New Beginning

With Wilby successfully elected as district attorney and Slade jailed, peace returns to Medfield. Tim proposes to Katrinka, and they adopt the dogs from the pound, marking a happy resolution.

Medfield

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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Explore Movie Threads

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

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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.

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Lighthearted family adventure movies like The Shaggy D.A.

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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.

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The Shaggy D.A. Summary

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The Shaggy D.A. Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Shaggy D.A.

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Shaggy D.A.. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Shaggy D.A.

The Shaggy D.A. Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Shaggy D.A. Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Shaggy D.A.

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