K-9

1989
PG-13
1h 41m

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

36K

YOUR RATING

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Buddy Cop Slapstick Action Comedy Crime

To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec.To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec.To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart alec.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

36K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Although Jerry Lee is credited as playing himself in the opening credits, he was in fact played by multiple dogs during the shoot.

The primary dog was named Rando, a three-year-old German Shepherd. A two-year-long search was held to find the right dog for the role and over forty dogs were considered. Eventually, four young Shepherds were brought from West Germany and trained for three months with Karl Lewis Miller. While typical dogs can understand 10-15 commands, Rando was able to perform anywhere from 125 to 150 actions.

A separate dog that was used as a stand-in for some scenes was named Kondo, and was a real-life police dog with the Kansas City Police Department who was sadly killed in the line of duty in 1991, which has led to some confusion that "the dog from K-9" was killed while on duty.

Goofs
When Jerry Lee attacks the men in the bar and bites one of them on the hand, it is obvious that the man has a padded sleeve so that dog bite would not hurt him.

Quotes
Dooley: Alright, let's get one thing straight: The woman is mine! Now we're both members of the animal kingdom. You know that and I know that. And we both know that this thing is really primal. So if you think you're such a badass you just try that one more time and you're gonna end up in a pet cemetary! You remember the movie Old Yeller? You remember when they shot him in the end? I didn't cry! Now come on!

Crazy credits
Jerry Lee is played by Rando, not Jerry Lee, as credited at the end.

Alternate versions
The UK theatrical version was cut by 21 secs to secure a "12" rating and removed descriptions of a "Colombian Necktie". The 15 rated video version was uncut and the 12 rated DVD is also intact.

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Miss Firecracker/K-9/Criminal Law/Scandal/84 Charlie Mopic (1989)

Soundtracks
Main Title (Theme From
Jaws")"
from Jaws (1975)
Music composed by John Williams
Courtesy of MCA Records

User reviews61

Review

Featured review

6/10

Much better!

I watched K-911 first before this movie, I didn't realize that it was a sequel. Not to mention, not a very good one at that. Jim wasn't doing a good job convincing me that he was just as good of a comedian as his brother, he isn't still, but this movie showed a little better of what talent he could have. K-9 was more fun than the sequel, I can tell you that much, because it revolved better around the story.

This story shows how Dooley met his K-9 partner, Jerry Lee. As stereotypical as it sounds, Dooley is your typical stands by his own crazy rules type of a cop, he also refuses to get a partner, but eventually decides the best way to do it is to get a cop dog. Figures that the dog would be easier to command and he'd be in charge. He is also trying to bust a drug run and his girlfriend gets involved, unintentionally. He finds out that Jerry Lee proves himself more useful than Dooley takes him for.

Over all, I'd say this is a fun little movie to watch on a Saturday afternoon. It has some fun humor and cute moments where you just automatically fall in love with Jerry Lee, I guess Dooley isn't such a bad guy after all. Believe me when I say to skip the sequel and stick to K-9.

6/10