Story of hero dog to be made into Hollywood film
03 September 2009
The story of Endal, Allen Parton’s heroic assistance dog is to be made into a film. Endal helped Allen rebuild his life after he suffered serious injuries during the Gulf War in 1991.
Endal came to the world’s attention through Allen’s memoirs, published earlier this year. Allen’s Labrador retriever helped him adjust to life as a wheelchair user. With the help of Endal, who passed away in March, Allen regained his independence. The rights to the book have now been bought by a film producer.
Mr Parton said: "The book was an international best-seller – it touched so many people.
"We were approached earlier in the year to do a movie about it.
"The producers have been working on it for quite some time now and they have been sending contracts across London. It's all very exciting."
Calendar Girls scriptwriter Juliette Towhidi has begun working on the script for the £5m project along with producer Simon Brooks of Canyon Creek Films. According to the Telegraph filming should begin next year.
Both Allen and Endal, have a long association with the Legion and have featured in stories in Legion Magazine, Poppy Press and LegionLetter. Allen appeared in a poster for the 2007 Poppy Appeal and in November 2008, the Legion were pleased to invite Allen and his wife to the Royal Premiere of Quantum of Solace and photos of Allen featured in the red carpet coverage of the event.
