Great Dane to star in film of salty sea dog Just Nuisance

19 April 2015 - 02:00 By JEROME CORNELIUS
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A hefty dog with street smarts will soon make his debut on the big screen.

Argo, a 75kg brindle Great Dane from Cape Town, has been cast in a film about Just Nuisance, the famous canine who was enlisted in the Royal Navy in Simon’s Town in 1939.

While Argo’s distinct dislike of water and the hat that Just Nuisance wore is expected to create some challenges when filming, his impressive size won over casting agents.

US producer Alister McKenzie said the story was “a family adventure with universal appeal”.

Just Nuisance got his name by being a constant companion to the sailors on the naval base, and would often illegally board trains.

After complaints about the dog, it was decided he would be enlisted in the Royal Navy to keep him out of trouble. He was the only dog ever to receive the honour.

But it was not all work for the navy dog, who would give a howl every night as the last train left the station. He was given a rum ration like the other sailors.

The movie, to be called Just Nuisance, is scheduled to begin filming in August.

“The story will take place over two years, and will include a Christmas component, with the release date set for December 2016,” McKenzie said.

US scriptwriter Sherri Rowe’s part in the making of the film started with a love of South Africa and a book about Just Nuisance. She first visited Cape Town in 2006.

“I ended up in Jubilee Square, where I saw the statue of Just Nuisance and there was a tiny plaque. I visited the museum and found out about him and that there was a book.”

The book was not child-friendly, so she wrote her own. All profits from the book, which was released yesterday, will go to the museum.

Besides funding, the biggest challenge was finding partners who shared their vision.

“We got offers to film in Texas and California, but we couldn’t think of anywhere else that we would film it,”McKenzie said.

A portion of the profits from the film will benefit local charities and the Simon’s Town Museum.

“We like to leave a place better than we found it. About 90% of the crew will be South African.”

McKenzie said details of the director and rest of the cast could not be revealed yet as negotiations were still under way.

As Just Nuisance reportedly did, Argo tries to shake off the white naval hat at every opportunity.

His owner, Nic Labadarios of Kuils River, said Argo was obedient and a good alarm system.

“He’s gentle, but aggressive when he needs to be. He’s street

smart,” he said.

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