The Dingles (1988)

National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Narrated by:
 Emma Levine
Directed by: Les Drew

Cat Out of the Bag Alert!  This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Based on the book by Helen Levchuk. Mrs. Doris Dingle and her three cats lead a peaceful existence until a storm blows in one day and disrupts their routine.

Cartoon Cats: This adorable animated short features three equally adorable cats who live with a woman named Doris Dingle.

The Dingles - Doris Dingle and her three cats, Donna, Dale and Dee Dee

Donna is introduced as a snobby Siamese cat who loves to play with her collection of bird feathers.

The Dingles - Siamese cat Donna with feathers

Dee Dee is an orange tabby cat who likes to tap Doris’ cheeks with her paws.

The Dingles - orange tabby cat Dee Dee tapping Doris' cheek

Dale, a tuxedo cat, is referred to as an all-around good guy who is digging a hole to China. He was also said to handspring to Doris when she called.

The Dingles - tuxedo cat Dale digging hole

The Dingles - tuxedo cat Dale cartwheeling

The cats are seen enjoying breakfast with Doris which consists of what appears to be breakfast cereal, soft boiled eggs and catnip tea before going about their business.

The Dingles - orange tabby cat Dee Dee holding up utensils in sign of cross to exploding breakfast cereal

The Dingles - tuxedo cat Dale slices banana between ears

The Dingles - Siamese cat Donna opening soft boiled egg

But then a strong wind arrives and blows the cats right across the yard into a heap, along with many other items.

The Dingles - Siamese cat Donna in birdbath being blown by wind

The Dingles - tuxedo cat Dale being blown away

The Dingles - cats Dale, Donna and Dee Dee in pile of stuff blown by wind

Doris Dingle uses her apron to tie the cats to her and work their way into the house.

The Dingles - Doris Dingle in wind with cats hanging onto her

The Dingles - cats blown by wind holding on to Doris' apron straps

Poor Donna is so scared by the storm outside she hides under the rug and inside Doris’ robe. Dale and Dee Dee calm her down by rubbing her paw.

The Dingles - Siamese cat Donna hiding under rug with tuxedo Dale and orange tabby Dee Dee

The Dingles - Siamese cat Donna being comforted by tuxedo Dale and orange tabby Dee Dee

They relax by bathing together and then sharing some warm milk and honey with butter on top.

The Dingles - Doris Dingle in bathtub with Siamese cat Donna, tuxedo Dale and orange tabby Dee Dee cleaning

The Dingles - Doris Dingle with Siamese cat Donna, tuxedo Dale and orange tabby Dee Dee drinking milk and honey

The cats then join Doris in bed and they sleep soundly while the rain continues outside.

The Dingles - Doris Dingle sleeping in bed with Siamese cat Donna, tuxedo Dale and orange tabby Dee Dee

This is an sweet little film of the high quality we’ve come to expect from Canadian animated shorts.

The Dingles - portrait of Doris Single with Siamese cat Donna, tuxedo Dale and orange tabby Dee Dee

Final Mewsings: Who wouldn’t want to live with three such adorable kitties?


Relevant Links:

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