Jock of the Bushveld (1995)
- Star Cast: Sean Gallagher, Fay Masterson, Wilson Dunster, Sello Sebotsane, Robert Urich
- Director: Danie Joubert
- Release: December 22, 1995
Movie Overview | Jock of the Bushveld
Tagline: A True Tale of Friendship
Synopsis20-year-old Percy Fitzpatrick hears about the Eastern Transvaal gold rush and sets out from Cape Town in hopes of finding fortune. He becomes a transport rider bringing in supplies from Delagoa Bay current Maputo and comes across a runt puppy and saves it’s life and christens it Jock. Percy and Jock form a close bond and friendship and share many adventures. Based on the classic novel, JOCK OF THE BUSHVELD by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick.
Co-director
Duncan MacNeillie
Writer Percy Fitzpatrick (novel)
Screenplay
Duncan MacNeillie,
Johann Potgieter,
Greg Latter
Producer Duncan MacNeillie
“Jock of the Bushveld” is a must-watch classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. With its captivating plot, stunning visuals, and memorable performances, the film transports viewers to the untamed wilderness of the African bushveld, immersing them in a world of adventure, loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of Jock.
Whether you are a fan of adventure films, a lover of animals, or simply in search of a heartwarming story, “Jock of the Bushveld” is a film that should not be missed. Its timeless themes, masterful storytelling, and breathtaking visuals make it a true classic in the world of cinema. Thumb up.
Jock of the Bushveld is a true story by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, recounting his adventures in the Lowveld in the late 19th century, with his dog, Jock. The book tells of Fitzpatrick’s travels with his dog, Jock, during the 1880s, when he worked as a storeman, prospector’s assistant, journalist and ox-wagon transport-rider in the Bushveld region of the Transvaal (then the South African Republic). Fitzpatrick later recounted these adventures as bedtime stories to his four children. Rudyard Kipling, a good friend of Fitzpatrick, also took part in these storytelling evenings and eventually persuaded him to collect these tales in book form. Illustrations for the book were done by Edmund Caldwell, a brother of Mary Tourtel, creator of Rupert Bear. The book was first published in 1907 and had an extremely warm reception, being reprinted four times in that year alone. Since then it has achieved the status of a classic South African book and has been also widely read abroad—more than one hundred editions have been printed and it has been translated into Afrikaans, Dutch, French, Xhosa and Zulu, amongst others. Jock was saved by Fitzpatrick from being drowned in a bucket for being the runt of the litter (he would ruin the litter if left with them). Jock was very loyal towards Percy, and brave. Jock was an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. There is a statue of Jock in front of the City Hall in Barberton, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The South African film industry received an incredible boost with movies such as District Nine (Oscar nominated), Invictus, Tsotsi and Skin attracting international attention and acclaim. Another big scoop was the involvement in Jock of some big names in the entertainment industry such as musical writing superstar Tim Rice, and local singers Johnny Clegg and Nianell. A major coup for the filmmakers was Archbishop Tutu’s involvement lending his sonorous voice to a small but key part involving spirituality. Kids love movies of books, and sometimes see the movie first. Although parents may worry that the movie is a substitute for the book, this is generally not the case. It’s a golden opportunity for parents to suggest that they add to the enjoyment by getting the book/s. After all, the movie makers might have had to leave a few crucial bits out. There’s only one way to check and that’s by reading the book. Parents can encourage their children to get onto the computer and look up everything they can possibly find about the movie, the plot, the characters, the actors—it’s all reading, whether in book or electronic format. Once hooked on a great book, any child will return to that beloved adventure time and time again. Jock is a wonderful adventure for any viewer, no matter their age. Jock is brave and feisty, and the African setting will intrigue any child. Don’t miss this charming, heartfelt movie of a very famous, real-life dog.
Jock of the Bushveld is a true, classic South African children’s book written by the well-known historic figure and author Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick. During Fitzpatrick’s time as a pioneer in the Lowveld, he recorded his adventures with pen and paper and vividly described the tale about Jock. This movie was adapted from the book ‘Jock of the Bushveld’, with the title ‘Jock: A True Tale of Friendship’.