Grandfather's Birthday

GRANDFATHER'S BIRTHDAY stars the late stage, screen and television actor Robert Prosky in the touching story of an elderly widower excited to celebrate his 79th birthday. The film follows Grandfather's day and the range of emotions he feels as he comes to grips with one of life's tragic realities.

  • Starring: Robert Prosky, John Prosky and Rocca the dog
  • Director(s): Gayle Knutson
  • Producer(s): Tundra Films
  • Distributor: TBD
  • Animal Coordinator: Meredith West of The Animal Connection
  • Release Date: Saturday, April 01, 2000

Featured Animal Action

Rosie the dog was played by Rocca, a lab mix. Throughout the course of the day in the film, Rosie watches Grandfather get ready in the morning, eats breakfast and later, a bite of birthday cake, goes on a walk, and plays fetch with the mailman. Rocca achieved her actions with the help of her trainer, who stood off-camera cueing her with verbal commands and hand signals. Rocca seemed to like the actor very much on the set, in addition to the apparent affection between them in the film.