A Dog of Flanders

Nello, orphaned at birth, is living with his kindly grandfather in a small village in the early 19th Century. The boy cherishes the sketchbook left to him by his mother. Inspired by her art he sets out against all odds to pursue his dream of becoming a great artist, like his idol, the genius Rubens. Though often thwarted by his circumstance, Nello finds solace, love and support from his best friend, the beautiful and wealthy Aloise and companionship from his beloved dog, a large Bouvier des Flanders named Patrasche. When Nello's poverty threatens to crush his dream and Aloise's father forbids them from seeing each other, the talented young artist completes a beautiful painting for entry into a competition-hoping the recognition and the prize money will ensure his career and appease Aloise's family.