If you’re not a cinema “color snob” (which is to say that if a movie is in black and white, you’ll pass), and you think you’ve seen every movie with a Cairn Terrier in it, make sure you haven’t overlooked the 1947 film, “The Ghost And Mrs. Muir.”
The movie, which got one Academy Award nomination, is a wonderful tug of war between a strong-willed woman (Gene Tierney and her fabulous overbite) who rents a house, and a crusty, rugged, good-looking, but salty sea captain (Rex Harrison) whose biggest flaw is that he’s the previous owner of the house – and a ghost. A very chauvinistic ghost. Their combative relationship morphs into something more affectionate, and everything about this film evokes the idea of longing and bittersweet beauty.
We’ve never been able to find more information about the Cairn Terrier who appears as “Remy/Rummy,” Mrs. Muir’s dog other than that the terrier’s real name was “Rusty.” His role is to bark at a ghost no one else can see – and yes, that is a young Natalie Wood in the photo with “Rusty.” All the sources we checked agree with each other that Remy/Rummy was a Cairn Terrier.
Photo found on Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information
The dog’s character’s name was Rummy or Remi. Lucy was Gene Tierney’s character’s name.
Thanks, Mary!
Even though the film was black and white, it was a very light colored Cairn. Does anyone know the name of the color?
I bet it’s a Wheaton like mine!
Probably a Wheaton colored Cairn. They can be a golden brown with touches of blonde and red and them. My sweet Dougal, of blessed memory, was a Wheaton and looks much like the little guy in the movie.
Probably a Wheaten colored Cairn. They are a golden brown, with red and blond streaks, much like highlights. My own sweet Dougal, of blessed memory, was a Wheaten Cairn. He looks very much like the dog in the movie. They truly are wonderful dogs, and my second favorite breed after Westies. West Highland White Terriers are kind of cousins to Cairn Terriers as they originally started from the same stock. Both breeds really seem to love water, and are excellent at hunting mice and rats, as that is what the breed was originally developed for.
I tend towards a Scottie in desperate need of a trim, the nose is a bit long for a Cairn imo.
Definitely a Cairn Terrier. I’ve had three. My Rascal was black; Bandit was light blonde, or wheaten; and Archie is bridle – red, gold, gray, silver. They come in all colors except white. AKC breed description – shaggy, alert dog, with head, tail and ears up…double coat is harsh and wiry on top and downy beneath. Great dogs!