Spike
ActingAbout Spike
Spike (1952–1962) was a lop-eared yellow Mastador (Mastiff/Labrador Retriever crossbreed) and a dog actor best known for his performance as the title character in the 1957 film Old Yeller, in which he co-starred with Tommy Kirk, Beverly Washburn, Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, and Kevin Corcoran. Spike was rescued as a pup from a shelter in Van Nuys, California, and became the pet and pupil of animal trainer Frank Weatherwax. Spike also appeared as Patrasche in 20th Century Fox's A Dog of Flanders with Donald Crisp and David Ladd in 1959 and as King in the 1956 film The She-Creature. In 1961, Spike was the star of The Silent Call, playing as Pete with Roger Mobley, David McLean and Gail Russell; the entire film focused on his efforts to reunite with his human family who had been forced to leave him behind while traveling from Nevada to California. Various television episodes of the period in which Spike appeared included The Mickey Mouse Club and Lassie, and he appeared in every episode of The Westerner with Brian Keith.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Spike reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 5 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Spike's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 60% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Spike remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Silent Call, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Spike Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Spike's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Spike.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Disney's Greatest Dog Stars | Old Yeller (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Silent Call | Pete | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | A Dog of Flanders | Patrasche | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Old Yeller | Old Yeller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The She-Creature | King the Dog | Flop | Similar → |
Spike - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Spike?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Spike is "The Silent Call" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Spike acted in?
Spike has been featured in at least 5 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Spike?
Other notable films include "Disney's Greatest Dog Stars", "Old Yeller", and "A Dog of Flanders".