35 Years Later, The Tragedy Behind ‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’ Is Still Haunting

When All Dogs Go to Heaven hit theaters on Nov. 17, 1989, it had the potential to be an enormous hit. In spite of everything, Don Bluth directed the movie, nonetheless using excessive on a wave of worthwhile animated films (The Secret of NIMH! An American Tail! The Land Earlier than Time!). And this new movie featured an all-star solid, Broadway names creating the music, and, after all, loads of adorable animated dogs.

Surprisingly, the film did not skyrocket to success immediately. The issue was it got here out on the identical day as Disney’s The Little Mermaid. With its again in opposition to the wall versus a behemoth that ushered within the Disney renaissance, the Bluth movie merely could not compete in opposition to the mouse-eared juggernaut. Nonetheless, it discovered a second life on residence video that saved it near the hearts of many followers who nonetheless adore it as we speak.

If there’s one factor viewers can depend on with a Bluth animated movie, although, it is that it is going to be equal elements cute and traumatic. All Canines Go to Heaven hits that mark with gusto — however it is not simply the movie itself that’ll break your coronary heart. After studying the tragic story of what occurred earlier than the film was launched, you may have a look at it in a totally completely different approach.

A fast refresher

The film opens with Charlie, a German shepherd (voiced by Burt Reynolds), and his dachshund pal Itchy (Dom DeLuise) escaping from a Nineteen Thirties New Orleans canine pound earlier than being euthanized and fleeing to their betting parlor residence. Beforehand co-owned by Charlie and a bulldog named Carface (Vic Tayback), the latter — who set Charlie as much as be caught — needs to make sure he’s the one on line casino kingpin on the town.

After a drunken Mardi Gras night time, Carface has Charlie crushed by a runaway automobile, sending the mutt to heaven. As good because it appears, Charlie has unfinished enterprise. He returns to Earth utilizing a stolen pocket watch representing his soul, later discovering that this act means he can by no means return to The Good Place.

With Itchy’s assist, they rescue/ kidnap the supply of Carface’s monetary success: an orphan woman named Anna Belle (Judith Barsi), who talks to animals and determines the winner of playing races. Charlie makes use of her unexplained energy to money in and begin his personal on line casino, promising to assist the little woman discover a household in change for this info.

Issues are nice for the trio till Anna Belle catches wind of the sinful acts that Charlie has dedicated and runs away. In the meantime, Carface makes a harmful transfer to reclaim the woman and destroy Charlie as soon as and for all. In the long run, Charlie sacrifices his life to avoid wasting Anna Belle, along with his last-minute good deed securing his return to heaven… at the least, till the sequels.

Say “halo” to my little buddy

Recent from back-to-back successes with An American Tail and The Land Before Time, Bluth by no means shied away from exploring mature themes in cartoons in his signature whimsical approach. Bluth’s philosophy was cited as believing youngsters can deal with something so long as there’s a blissful ending.

The validity of that speculation lacks any conclusive scientific proof, however when All Canines was test-screened, viewers have been involved in regards to the depth of a number of scenes. The MPAA was of an identical mindset, and initially rated the film PG as an alternative of G like most children’ films. So, Bluth made edits to realize that vital all-ages label.

Even with the cuts, watchdogs have been fast to complain about alcohol use, violence, playing, and the themes of demise and the afterlife. Whereas it might have been a weighty story in comparison with the common youngsters’ flick, a far worse scenario unfolded earlier than the film’s launch.

Quickly, you’ll come residence

At 10 years previous, Judith Barsi was a star within the making. Her resume would make any grownup actor jealous, with appearances in Cheers, Cagney & Lacey, and Rising Pains, amongst different prime sitcoms and movies. Between her time on main units, Barsi’s lovely face, bubbly persona, and glorious line supply graced dozens of commercials. The sky was the restrict for this budding performer’s profession, however her residence life wasn’t as golden.

Barsi was born to Maria and Jozsef Barsi, Hungarian immigrants who individually fled their homeland in the course of the nation’s political upheaval within the 50s and located one another years later in California. Because of their gifted daughter, the household ought to have been residing the American dream. As a substitute, it was a nightmare, as Jozsef was an abusive alcoholic with a penchant for taking out his frustrations on his spouse and baby.

Earlier than leaving to work on Jaws: The Revenge, Jozsef reportedly threatened to kill his daughter if she did not return residence. When this was reported to native Little one Companies, the case was investigated and dropped resulting from lack of proof, one thing the Fee later admitted they mismanaged. Neighbors knew of Jozsef’s risky mood, together with one who claimed Barsi instructed him “500 instances he was going to kill his spouse,” but no motion in opposition to him was ever taken.

Her mom had plans to divorce their tormentor, telling neighbors she was renting an house in Panorama Metropolis. Every time Maria contemplated her freedom, she hesitated and stayed put. Sadly, their escape by no means got here to be.

When authorities arrived on the Barsi residence on July 25, 1988, they found the our bodies of all three relations inside their burning West Hills home, set ablaze by Jozsef. Forensic proof would reveal that Judith and Marie had died at Jozsef’s hands earlier than the fireplace.

All Canines Go To Heaven arrived in theaters over a yr after Judith handed, but rumors persist that Burt Reynolds recorded the ultimate scene of the film over 60 instances to seek out the proper take to say goodbye.

Whereas there’s nothing to substantiate that story, the truth that Judith left this planet too quickly makes Charlie’s farewell to Anna Belle infinitely extra emotional, including a lot extra weight to that poignant scene.

You possibly can’t maintain canine down

Whereas its time in theaters was something however heavenly, All Canines grew in recognition due to its home-release choices. It grew to become one of many most-bought VHS tapes of its period, promoting over 3 million copies in its first month on cabinets. A sequel and a syndicated series adopted, though Bluth and his staff weren’t concerned in any of the content material past the unique movie.

Nostalgia has saved this film in excessive regard for a lot of who grew up with it, however even realizing this is not as nice of a masterpiece as a few of us keep in mind, it is nonetheless a strong entry in Bluth’s filmography.

It is a film the place it is best to close off your vital considering. Simply take pleasure in some senseless household enjoyable about canine and an orphan who reminds us to not take life with no consideration… since you by no means know when that present will likely be taken away.

All Canines Go To Heaven is streaming on Tubi, Pluto, Roku, and Amazon Prime, the place you too can discover it on DVD and Blu-Ray.