This is Part 1 of a 1972 documentary, ” A Dog Named Duke” by Handel Film Corporation that shows the integration of dogs into police work. It follows Duke, a German Shepherd, as he joins the Baltimore K9 Corps. It was based on the 1966 book of the same name by Leo A. Handel.
The film begins with an alarm ringing as a thief walks past Wolfe’s Lunch and a Coca-Cola sign (0:31). A police car chases him, sirens on, and the man flees (0:47). A German Shepherd and policeman get out of the car, pursue the thief, and are able to catch him (1:20). Title card and intro: “Police Dog” (2:22). Based on the book “A Dog Named Duke” by Leo A. Handel, published by J.B. Lippincott. Narrated by Joseph Cotten. Produced, written, and directed by Leo A. Handel. Starting at 2:45, a sheriff in a police helicopter, and overview of police dogs’ roles in law enforcement, emphasizing their advantages over human officers in detecting drugs and explosives, and their effectiveness as crime deterrents. Metropolitan Police Canine Corps sign (2:57). The introduction of K9 units in police departments, highlighting the success of Baltimore’s first K9 unit initiated in 1957 (3:44). Los Angeles City Hall (4:25). Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland (4:46). Scotland Yard police headquarters in London (5:00). Baltimore City Police badge (5:03). At 5:44, introduction of Duke, a German Shepherd, who is being transitioned to a police dog after his owner is reassigned overseas. Duke’s initial exam at the vet at Vinson’s Animal Hospital (7:10). 7:35 – 9:00: Duke meets his new handler, Officer John, and transitions to living at John’s home, forming a bond with the family, particularly John’s son. News American and Sunpapers mailboxes at John’s house (8:13). Duke begins basic training with two other German Shepherds, learning commands like “stay,” “heel,” and “down” (9:24). 12:20 – 14:04: Advanced training begins, including agility and stamina exercises, preparing Duke for real-life scenarios like pursuing suspects. An advanced K9, Shep, helps the Narcotics Team search a ship in Baltimore Harbor (12:36). Hickory Knoll sign on the ship (13:05). Duke’s training continues with more complex tasks, such as navigating obstacles, tunnels, and ladders, reacting to threats and guns, and guarding suspects (14:05-17:30). City of Baltimore 1797 seal on the floor (19:13). Starting at 18:40, Duke is integrated into the patrol team, where John and Duke work in high-crime areas in the industrial area of South Baltimore. They encounter various situations that demonstrate the effectiveness of K9 units in reducing crime rates. Calvert Extra billboard (20:46). 20:31 – 24:30: In their first emergency, John and Duke respond to a car running a red light that escalates. Duke’s quick response towards the gun owner ensures John’s safety, and John’s wife hugs Duke when they get home.
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