Wichita's Don Johnson in "A Boy and His Dog" (1975)

Starring Wichita's, Don Johnson

"A Boy and His Dog" (1975) is a science fiction black comedy film said to take place in 2024 and directed by actor L.Q. Jones, from a screenplay by Jones based on the 1969 novella of the same title by fantasy author Harlan Ellison. The film stars Don Johnson, Susanne Benton, Alvy Moore, and Jason Robards. It was independently produced and distributed by Jones' company LQ/Jaf Productions. The film's storyline concerns a teenage boy, Vic, and his telepathic dog, Blood, who work together as a team in order to survive in the dangerous post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Southwestern United States.

Cast:
Don Johnson as Vic
Tim McIntire as "Blood" (voice)
Tiger as Blood
Susanne Benton as Quilla June Holmes
Jason Robards as Lou Craddock
Alvy Moore as Dr. Moore
Helene Winston as "Mez" Smith
Charles McGraw as Preacher
Hal Baylor as Michael
Ron Feinberg as Fellini
Michael Rupert as Gery
Don Carter as Ken
Michael Hershman as Richard
L.Q. Jones as Actor in Porno Film

Harlan Ellison wrote the original novella "A Boy and His Dog" and began an adaptation for film. In an interview, Harlan Ellison said: "When he [Blood] calls Vic 'Al' or 'Albert', he is referring to the Albert Payson Terhune dog stories, whereas a traditional boy and his dog relationship is turned upside down in this movie."

Actor/director L.Q. Jones came onboard to write the script. Jones' own company, LQ/Jaf Productions (L.Q. Jones & Friends), independently produced the film. Distributors initially were reluctant to finance the production, so Jones raised $400,000 through family and business associates. The film was shot at Pacific Ocean Park in Venice, California, and on location around Barstow, California and Coyote Dry Lake in the Mojave Desert.

James Cagney's voice was considered for the voice of Blood, but was dropped because it would have been too recognizable and prove to be a distraction.

Eventually, after going through approximately 600 auditions, they settled on Tim McIntire, a veteran voice actor who also did most of the music for the film.

Ray Manzarek (misspelled in the film credits as "Manzarec"), formerly of The Doors, was also among those credited for the score.

McIntire sang the main theme. Bolivian composer Jaime Mendoza-Nava provided the music for the Topeka underground segment.

George Miller, known for creating and directing every film in the Mad Max franchise starting in 1979, cited the 1975 film adaptation of "A Boy and His Dog" as an influence on the Mad Max films, particularly "The Road Warrior" (1981).

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