Just after the end of World War II, Marion Henry (Georgia Morgan) awaits the return of her husband from overseas. In his absence, she had to hire a local seamstress, Peggie Darrow (Hayleigh Hart Franklin), to keep his small tailoring business running. Teddy Henry (Colin Henning) gets home late and struggles to reclaim the normalcy of civilian life. After an awkward dinner, husband and wife retreat to bed for an equally-awkward welcome home nightcap. Teddy’s problems continue as he struggles to adapt to simple things, like the glasses that allow him to see, and prices having risen due to inflation. At the same time, Peggie can no longer hide her attraction to Marion, who seems to return the feeling. A strange tangle of love triangles emerges when, seeking additional work, Teddie begins working on neighbor Cate Wills’ (Brooke Elizabeth) farm and falls for her.
Appalachian Dog is a mixed bag of a film. Its greatest strength is its outstanding cinematography. Every shot is a treat of composition, and the staging is considered heavily throughout, adding to the film’s dramatic elements. The acting is good, but I feel there wasn’t enough attention paid to the setting or the character’s motivations, and that makes the story fall a bit flat: Maybe shifting the focus to a single character would have brought a bit more cohesion (or at least suspension of disbelief) to the vagueness and inconsistencies in the characters’ portrayals.
Many reviews bill Appalachian Dog as an outstanding example of Southern gothic drama, but in my opinion, it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi. The specter of death isn’t around for these characters, and that alongside some strangely absent class aspects makes Appalachian Dog feel low stakes and lacking in the common themes of the broader genre. It’s like paying for a dinner and only getting a beautiful side salad. Some small errors in period accurate clothing and housing will have period drama fans fuming, but those just looking for a tragic romance flick won’t notice a thing. Recommended.
How can Appalachian Dog be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Appalachian Dog would fit well into public libraries' collections that focus on Southern Gothic literature, drama, and post-WWII cinema. Libraries with a collection on film studies or regional American cinema might consider adding it for its cinematographic achievements and its portrayal of post-war life in Appalachia. It would also be an excellent choice for collections focused on themes like love triangles, emotional tension, and complex character dynamics. Additionally, the film could serve as a valuable resource for patrons interested in the dramatic portrayal of relationships and identity during the 1940s.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Appalachian Dog?
Appalachian Dog would be particularly useful for students in Film Studies, Southern Literature, and Drama courses. Film Studies students could examine the movie’s cinematography and staging as examples of visual storytelling, while Drama students could analyze its narrative structure and character development. Courses in American Studies or Regional History might find it valuable for its exploration of post-WWII life in rural America, particularly the struggles of adaptation for returning soldiers. Additionally, Gender Studies programs might use it to explore the emotional complexities and romantic dynamics between the characters, particularly the same-sex attraction that quietly underpins the story.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Appalachian Dog in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could screen Appalachian Dog as part of a series on post-WWII history or film, creating opportunities for community discussions about relationships, personal identity, and societal changes during the period. The film could be used in workshops that explore the dynamics of love triangles, gender roles, and emotional healing after trauma. It could also be a good choice for special screenings that focus on Southern or regional storytelling, followed by discussions about the role of place in shaping personal identity and relationships.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Appalachian Dog?
To screen Appalachian Dog publicly, such as in libraries, schools, or community centers, the organization would need to secure Public Performance Rights (PPR). These rights are necessary for any public exhibition outside of a private, home viewing. Organizations should acquire these rights to ensure legal compliance and support the filmmakers through proper distribution channels. PPR would allow the film to be shown as part of educational programs, film series, or special community events.
How could Appalachian Dog enhance special events on college campuses?
On college campuses, Appalachian Dog could be featured in film screenings related to Southern Gothic drama or post-war narratives. It could serve as a starting point for discussions on love, gender, and identity in the context of a post-WWII setting. The film could also be paired with talks or lectures on the history of the South during the 1940s, post-traumatic stress disorder in returning veterans, and the struggles of reintegration into civilian life. The tensions within the romantic triangle could open up dialogues on relationships and human complexity, making it a fitting addition to campus film festivals or specialized thematic film series.
Why is Appalachian Dog a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Appalachian Dog is a strong candidate for movie licensing due to its visually striking cinematography and its exploration of complex emotional and romantic relationships in a post-war context. Its unique portrayal of rural Appalachia, combined with its Southern Gothic aspirations, offers a distinctive perspective that would appeal to audiences interested in regional American films. The film’s exploration of delicate, often underrepresented themes such as post-war trauma, gender dynamics, and emotional conflict makes it an excellent choice for educational and cultural licensing, particularly in university settings or community film events. Additionally, its potential to provoke discussion on the evolution of romance and identity in the 1940s gives it lasting relevance for a wide audience.