Peter the Great
Acting
Biography
Peter the Great was a remarkably intelligent German-born German shepherd, who after two years of training at the Berlin Police Academy, was brought to Hollywood to perform in movies. In 1926, after appearing in several Hollywood features, Peter was shot and killed during a possible alcohol fueled dispute between his master and another dog fancier. A jury later awarded Peter's owner, who had asked for a quarter of a million dollars, $100,000 plus $25,000 in punitive damages, a record at that time for the slaying of a dog. In 1931 another jury found that "No dog can be considered in the same category as a human" and declared the 1927 damage award as grossly excessive.
Known For
A German Shepherd police dog and his policeman master track a gang of bank robbers, one of which is the dog's former abusive owner.
The Sign of the Claw
A young woman takes refuge in a cabin during a blizzard with a villianous man. Meanwhile, coming to her rescue are the handsome hero and his trusted dog. A sub Rin-Tin-Tin canine named Peter the Great.
Wild Justice
After witnessing his master's stepfather being murdered by the conniving Phil, a dog named Peter carries messages in and out of prison for his wrongfully convicted owner, Jack. Later, in Mexico, Peter chases down the villain, forcing a confession and saving Jack.
The Silent Accuser
This special two-disc collection, presented in cooperation with the Library of Congress, celebrates cinema’s lesser-known dog stars with their most memorable features, shorts, and newsreel appearances (1898-1928). Films dated as early as 1898 offer satisfying simple glimpses of dogs at play, anticipating the adorable animal videos that would become social media phenomena more than a century later.
Wonder Dogs! Canine Stars of the Silent Era (1898-1928)
Peter the Great as the dog "King" that rescues his abducted owner.
King of the Pack
Canine actors celebrate Ilak the Wolf Dog's birthday. Rin Tin Tin is master of ceremony.