Dumb Dog Can Be Movie Star
By BARBARA THOMAS
Journal Amusements Editor
Okay, all you folks who’ve been cussing that dumb mutt that just lies around and does nothing. Here’s his chance to meet the stars, and perhaps become one himself.
Burt Reynolds, in town to begin filming on “Smokey and the Bandit,” will be head judge at the “Dumbest Dog in Georgia” contest, scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday on the grass outside the Civic Center.
Reynolds, who will be joined by actress Sally Fields and actor Jerry Reed as judges, is looking for the dumbest, ugliest, most lethargic male dog in the Southeast to join him as a featured player in the film.
Reynolds has certain criteria for choosing the dumbest dog.
“He has to be the sort of dog we have all run across at one time or another—you know—the kind that if he is a watchdog, you just know that he will let the neighborhood burglar in the open window in exchange for a dog biscuit.”
In keeping with the traditions of beauty contests, first, second and third-place runners-up will be chosen. They will be picked on their ability or inability to ignore commands and generally disdain authority.
Prizes will go the all winners, as well as a special prize for the entrant that comes the greatest distance to the competition.
Contest officials say they are working on a plan whereby the competing dogs could chose their own Mr. Congeniality.
Reynolds plays a fun-loving truck driver in the comedy about a car-truck chase through five states, involving the use of CB radios.
All dogs and their owners should be at the Civic Center at 2 p.m. for registration.
The Atlanta Journal - Wed., August 25, 1976 - 24-A
