Frankenweenie 1984

Victor Frankenstein, Barret Oliver, is a curious young boy who makes homemade movies starring his loyal Bull Terrier, Sparky. After Sparky is hit by a car and dies, Victor learns at school about how electrical impulses drive muscle movement, and he becomes determined to bring his beloved pet back to life. He constructs elaborate devices in his attic, and a bolt of lightning crackles down to revive Sparky. Victor is thrilled with the miraculous result, and the revival briefly stays a private triumph.

Sparky’s return, however, does not stay hidden for long. The dog sneaks out one night and frightens the Frankensteins’ neighbors. Although they don’t get a clear look at Sparky, they sense that something unusual and possibly dangerous is dwelling in the house, and their worries grow. Victor’s parents decide to stage a careful introduction of Sparky to the neighbors in hopes of easing fears and dispelling rumors. But the plan backfires in spectacular fashion: the neighbors recognize Sparky as something more than a dog and panic.

Sparky bolts with Victor in pursuit, and the chase carries them to an abandoned miniature golf course. They hide inside its flagship windmill as an angry mob closes in. The crowd, trying to peek inside with a cigarette lighter, accidentally sets the windmill on fire. Victor is knocked out in the blaze, but Sparky heroically rescues him from the flames, only to be crushed by the burning windmill. Realizing their mistake, the neighbors pull together—cars, jumper cables, and all—to “recharge” Sparky. He is revived once more, and the town celebrates the miracle. In a final curious note, Sparky falls in love with a poodle whose fur bears a striking resemblance to the Bride of Frankenstein’s hair.