All Dogs Go to Heaven

1989 Comedy

One of the most expensive of Don Bluth's animated cartoon features, All Dogs Go to Heaven was also among the most successful. Set in late-'30s New Orleans, the story centers upon a roguish German shepherd named Charlie B. Barkin (voice of Burt Reynolds), who is killed early in the proceedings by his business partner, Carface (voice of Vic Tayback). Charlie travels to Heaven, and is promptly warned that if he heads back to Earth, he can never return; he does decide to go back to Earth, however, to exact revenge on Carface, who has kidnapped Anne-Marie, a little orphan girl who can talk to Animals. The film also includes the vocal skills of Dom DeLuise, Charles Nelson Reilly, Vic Tayback, Melba Moore, Loni Anderson, and a host of others. All Dogs Go to Heaven was the first production of the Dublin-based Sullivan Bluth Studios.

Director: Don Bluth

Reviews

  • Charlie, who owes an obvious debt to Chuck Jones' Wile E. Coyote, comes equipped with one of the most expressive faces in cartoon history: Bluth keeps his features-ears, snout, mouth, eyes-in constant flux, a beautiful blend of line and volume that represents the pinnacle of the animator's art.

    Dave Kehr - The Chicago Tribune

    29 November 2012

  • There is a lot of individualism in this movie, both in the filmmaking and in the characters.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • The animation, courtesy of Don Bluth's studio, is exceptional, and some fine musical moments are provided by Melba Moore.

    - TV Guide

    29 November 2012

  • Despite overlength, this acceptable outing has its moments, most of them in the second half.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    29 November 2012

  • The appeal of character and story line here is thoroughly overshadowed by the various technical feats involved in bringing the film to the screen.

    Janet Maslin - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Family Motion Picture - Adventure or Cartoon

    Young Artist Awards (1990)