Film adaptation White Dog (Gary novel)

paramount pictures purchased film rights white dog in 1975, though film not produced until 1981, after gary s suicide. various changes made original novel s story, including removal of gary himself , tighter focus on dog. gary s wife replaced in script young, unmarried actress paramount wanted film show strong contrast between loving relationship between protagonist , dog s random attacks. novel s hate-filled muslim black trainer converted character named keys, genuinely wished cure animal. novel s original ending changed make more pessimistic. directed samuel fuller , starring paul winfield , kristy mcnichol, film s theatrical release suppressed in united states out of concern of negative press after rumors began circulating naacp film racist. released internationally in france , united kingdom in 1982, , broadcast on various american cable television channels. first official american release came in december 2008 when criterion collection released original uncut film dvd.

in reflecting on film, fuller notes had known gary before being offered chance direct white dog adaptation, , admired both gary , novel. wanted have film dedicated gary, had committed suicide before film completed, studio declined. in interview los angeles times, stated know [gary would] have liked it. , d have been pleased because other books (the roots of heaven, etc) had not done films.