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Hero dog has his day as
Hollywood comes calling
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Endal, superdog and lifetime companion.
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A HOLLYWOOD film with a budget of £5,000,000 is to be made about the wonder dog Endal, who helped Allen Parton regain his independence after being injured in the first Gulf War.
The story of Allen Parton's former assistance dog, Endal, will hit the silver screen next year after his memoir became an international bestseller. Fifty-year-old Allen, from Clanfield, penned the fascinating story of his life with Endal, whom he credits with bringing him back from the brink after suffering devastating injuries. He was in hospital for five years and did not even know he was married when he awoke from a coma. But with the help of Endal, who passed away in March, he regained his independence and family life.
He said: "The book was an international bestseller – it touched so many people. We were approached earlier in the year because they wanted to do a movie about it. They have been working on it for quite some time now and the producers have been sending contracts across London in the back of taxis. It's all very exciting."
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Endal with Allen Parton, relaxing at home.
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Endal was famous for being one of the world's most intelligent dogs. He helped Allen use cash machines, the washing machine, and could post letters. Endal could even put his master in the recovery position if he fell unconscious, and would then get help. He graced the covers of many magazines and made regular appearances on TV.
A documentary about Endal captured the imagination of producer Simon Brooks, who said he wants either Colin Firth or Michael Sheen to play Allen with Kate Winslet or Rachel Weisz as his wife, Sandra. Mr Brooks, owner of Canyon Creek Films, said: "I'm a doggy owner as well and one night I was flicking through the channels when I came across Endal's story by accident. The more I looked into it, the more moved I became and I thought 'this is a movie'. Allen and Sandra's story is simply extraordinary. I can't comprehend how they have made it through."
Work has started on the first draft of the script by Calendar Girls scriptwriter Juliette Towhidi. Shooting should begin in the UK or Ireland next year, with a budget of up to £5m. Allen said that the movie will end on a high note with his new assistance dog, EJ, taking Endal's place.
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