The Plague Dogs (1982): Cast & Plot
The Plague Dogs is a 1982 animated drama directed by Martin Rosen, starring John Hurt as Snitter (voice), Christopher Benjamin and James Bolam. It runs 1 hour 26 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 26m (86 min)
- Director
- Martin Rosen
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Nepenthe Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Plague Dogs About?
The premise of The Plague Dogs without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
After fleeing an animal research laboratory, the two dogs Rowf and Snitter must navigate a hostile countryside, scavenging for food and dodging hunters. Rumors that they may carry the bubonic plague spark a relentless pursuit by search parties and the military, turning their struggle into a desperate, high‑stakes adventure.
The Plague Dogs Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- escape
- dog
- laboratory
- research
- adult animation
- shooting
- shotgun
- cruelty
- blood
- feral animal
- test animal
- cult film
+38 more Show fewer
- human versus animal
- on the loose
- animal protagonist
- tragic event
- psychotronic film
- furry
- travel
- for grown ups animation
- traditional animation
- chimpanzee
- hand drawn animation
- plague carrier
- bubonic plague
- plague
- vivisection
- geordie accent
- sheepdog
- water tank
- lancashire dialect
- lake district
- living in the wild
- shepherd
- british army
- exposed skull
- incinerator
- dog urinating
- dead dog
- labrador
- near drowning
- man shot in the face
- aquaphobia
- sheep
- fox
- on the run
- visit
- opening a door
- dog movie
- balladeer
The Plague Dogs Cast & Characters
John Hurt leads the cast as Snitter (voice), with Christopher Benjamin as Rowf (voice) and James Bolam as The Tod (voice). Directed by Martin Rosen; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Martin Rosen
-
John Hurt as Snitter (voice) - Christopher Benjamin as Rowf (voice)
- James Bolam as The Tod (voice)
-
Patrick Stewart as Major (voice)
Also Starring in The Plague Dogs
· 12 more- Nigel Hawthorne Dr. Boycott (voice)
- Judy Geeson Pekinese (voice)
- Warren Mitchell Tyson / Wag (voice)
- John Bennett Don (voice)
- Rosemary Leach Vera (voice)
- Bill Maynard Editor (voice)
- Malcolm Terris Robert (voice)
- John Franklyn-Robbins Williamson (voice)
- Barbara Leigh-Hunt Farmer's Wife (voice)
- Geoffrey Matthews Farmer (voice)
- Brian Stirner Laboratory Assistant (voice)
- Penelope Lee Lynn Driver (voice)
More from Martin Rosen
More films directed by Martin Rosen, best-rated first: Watership Down and Stacking.
The Plague Dogs Plot Summary
What happens in The Plague Dogs from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Rowf, a labrador-mix, and Snitter, a smooth fox-terrier, are two of many dogs used for experiments at an animal research facility in the Lake District of north-western England. Snitter has endured brain surgery—leaving the top of his head scarred and covered with bandages—while Rowf has been drowned and resuscitated repeatedly.
One evening, Snitter slips under the netting of his cage and into Rowf’s, and the two discover that Rowf’s cage is unlatched. They slip into each other’s spaces and explore the facility, seeking any chance to escape, until they reach the incinerator and come alarmingly close to being killed before finally breaking free.
Full summary
The whole story of The Plague Dogs, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Plague Dogs?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What are the names of the two main dog characters?
Cars in The Plague Dogs
9 cars on screen, including the 1977 Triumph Dolomite and the 1971 Bedford KM.
-
1977 Triumph Dolomite Important role -
1971 Bedford KM Minor role -
Bedford RL Minor role -
1977 Honda Accord Minor role
The Plague Dogs Also Known As
14 alternative titles, including “'n Hondeleven voor Twee” and “Die Hunde sind los”.
- Also known as
-
- 'n Hondeleven voor Twee
- Die Hunde sind los
- Os Cães Plagueados
- Os cães da peste
- Hundeflugten
- Άρρωστα σκυλιά
- A pestises kutyák
- Отчаянные псы
- Los perros de la plaga
- Flykten mot frihet
- Бегълците
- 疫病犬
+2 more Show fewer
- طاعون سگها
- 플래그 독: 전염병을 옮기는 개
Seen The Plague Dogs?
Movies Like The Plague Dogs
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Dogs, Stray Dogs and Dogs of Hell.
The Plague Dogs FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Plague Dogs, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Plague Dogs?
The Plague Dogs runs 1 hour 26 minutes (86 minutes).
When was The Plague Dogs released?
The Plague Dogs was released on October 1, 1982.
Who directed The Plague Dogs?
The Plague Dogs was directed by Martin Rosen.
More films by Martin Rosen Who is in the cast of The Plague Dogs?
The Plague Dogs stars John Hurt as Snitter (voice), Christopher Benjamin as Rowf (voice) and James Bolam as The Tod (voice), among 16 credited actors.
Does The Plague Dogs have a post-credit scene?
No. The Plague Dogs has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
