Although 'The Great Rupert' bears his name Rupert the squirrel is himself largely absent from the action.
While the subject of a performing squirrel has all the potential to make a cute tale for the kiddies, the fact that Rupert is so lifelike heightens the pathos of the characters' constant fretting over money, and that it's in black & white makes an already drab-looking production all the more harrowing.
Director Irving Pichel was never exactly known for his light touch and the whole experience is more than a little melancholy; the fact that some of it takes place over Christmas making it even more poignant.
While the subject of a performing squirrel has all the potential to make a cute tale for the kiddies, the fact that Rupert is so lifelike heightens the pathos of the characters' constant fretting over money, and that it's in black & white makes an already drab-looking production all the more harrowing.
Director Irving Pichel was never exactly known for his light touch and the whole experience is more than a little melancholy; the fact that some of it takes place over Christmas making it even more poignant.