By STEVE DALE
Tribune Media Services
Working with an actor who constantly ad-libs isn't easy. Veering from the script and blocking (movement on the set) can throw off the other actors, camera operators and the director. However, when the ad-libs are funny and you're making a comedy, it's hard to argue. Besides, the ad-libbing actor in question, a Hollywood newcomer named Clyde, is a Labrador Retriever.
While 22 dogs play Marley in the new film "Marley and Me," (opening Christmas Day), Clyde is in most of the scenes involving an adult dog.
Director David Frankel defends the novice canine actor. "After all, Clyde was playing Marley, the most unruly Labrador Retriever in the world, so he was just getting into the part if he did something unexpected."
When you see the movie, watch for the moment when Clyde (as Marley) gives a big-time dog kiss to Owen Wilson (playing John Grogan, author of the best-selling book "Marley and Me," upon which the movie is based). Wilson looked surprised because he had no idea the kiss was coming.
"That was a first take," says Frankel. "Clyde was usually best in the first take. And he just ad-libbed that kiss, which Owen Wilson gave himself up to. It's like Owen was attacked with a dog kiss. And it was perfect. That happened to be an important moment in the movie to show their affection (Marley and John Grogan). It was times like this which we loved."
Frankel continues, "Then sometimes we had to stop a scene cold. On occasion, Clyde would kiss Jen (Jennifer Aniston) so affectionately she literally couldn't get her dialogue out."
Around half the 22 "Marley dogs" were puppies and a few were stunt dogs, but clearly, Clyde was the star. "The trainers looked for more than a year for a dog with over-the-top Marley energy," says Frankel, who also directed "The Devil Wears Prada" and several TV episodes of "Sex and the City," as well as "Entourage."
"I've worked with animals before, and Clyde is different because he was simply trained to be a dog," says Frankel, who begins to laugh. "I have five rescued dogs at home, all strays my wife found. And there's not a piece of furniture we have that isn't scarred. Our home looks like the Marley set. The trainers rewarded Clyde to do all the things the rest of us try to train our dogs not to do, like jumping up, or barking or peeing (indoors). Every time Clyde misbehaved, he'd get a treat. Talk about being a lucky dog."
Frankel says most canine actors have to learn intricate tasks that involve rescuing people, or somehow saving the day. "The trainers found it so liberating, all Clyde had to do was act like, well, a dog," he continues. "He'd simply have to hang around the set, act happy and a bit crazy - which took no acting at all - and slowly destroy our set."
Everyone knows that American Humane Association tagline which appears in the end credits of films: "No Animals Were Harmed." Well, at the end of this movie, it should (have) read, 'No people were harmed and no scenery was eaten,"' says Frankel.
Even for comedies, American Humane's Certified Animal Safety Representatives take their responsibilities seriously to protect animals on the sets of movies, TV shows, commercials and industrial productions. "They were wonderful, and I was amazed by their diligence," says Frankel. "That had a constant presence and really had a job to do."
For example, one scene in "Marley and Me" called for Marley to jump out of a moving car into traffic. In all, three dogs and lots of technical preparation were required to pull it off. American Humane's Safety Reps contributed ideas to insure that the stunt was executed safely. "It was all more complex than you might think, but with American Humane there, we all felt more secure about our No. 1 priority, the dogs' safety," says Frankel.
The movie spans 14 years, essentially Marley's entire life. "I think it's the best performance Jennifer (Aniston) or Owen (Wilson) has ever given," Frankel notes.
The role was Wilson's first following his much-publicized suicide attempt. "All I know is that Owen is a wonderful, smart and unbelievably talented man," says Frankel. "People who know him will appreciate his comedic skills, but we know he's funny. It's the depth of emotion both he and Jen bring to this, from the time they meet -- kind of young and innocent about life -- to seeing them as a family in their 40s with three children. Their hopes and dreams change, even the relationship with one another."
Of course, over 14 years, marriages evolve and children grow up, but sadly, that's not what happens to dogs.
The real-life John Grogan adopted a puppy from the "Marley and Me" set, whom he named Woodson. This month, Grogan wrote in USA Weekend that this poor pup has a congenital hip condition. Grogan could have returned the dog, but writes that he told the puppy, "We're in this together." Hip surgery could be in the dog's future. Maybe Grogan will tell us about it in another book, "Woodson and Me."
Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he will answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207 or send an e-mail. Include your name, city and state. Listen to Steve Dale's WEEKLY RADIO SHOW, "Pet Central," on Saturdays at http://www.wgnradio.com; or Steve's syndicated radio shows: "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." Learn more at http://www.petworldradio.net. Steve's personal website is www.stevedalepetworld.com.
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