THE PLAGUE DOGS (1982)

• Director: Martin Rosen
• Producers: Jake Eberts, Martin Rosen
• Cast: John Hurt, Christopher Benjamin, James Bolam
• 1982 | Film: 103mins | UK & USA | Event: 20:45 – 23:00 [18+]

“ESCAPE TO A DIFFERENT WORLD… AND SHARE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.”

Two dogs escape from a laboratory and are hunted as possible carriers of the bubonic plague.

I’m changing the recipe for this edition of BAR TRASH. Gone are the lurid monster movies, replaced by an often overlooked masterpiece of animated storytelling. Don’t be seduced by the whimsical tagline… this is full-bodied, adult drama about loyalty and the drive for freedom.

We’re showing this remarkable film because you can’t tell the story of eco-horror without spending time with the animals. Whilst these dogs talk, they are far removed from the cuddly creatures we’re used to seeing in feature-length animation: Snitter (voiced by John Hurt) and Rowf (Christopher Benjamin) scratch, sniff and cock their legs, and we mainly see humans from their partial perspective.

Adapted from Richard Adams’ novel, THE PLAGUE DOGS was written, directed and produced by Martin Rosen, who also created the film version of WATERSHIP DOWN (1978). Heavily edited for its USA release, we’re screening the full UK theatrical version. You’ll need a stiff drink afterwards…

Bar Trash is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic, Token Homo. Films served with themed drinks, introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles/captions (where possible). Tickets £3.