Set in 1939 New Orleans, this colourful musical animation centres on Charles B. Barkin (voiced by Burt Reynolds), who gives up a stay in Heaven to a return to Earth. Charlie is a roguish German shepherd with the charm of a con man and the heart of a marshmallow. He's out for revenge against the double-crossing former partner who killed him, a pit bull terrier known as Carface (Vic Taybak). Charlie finds himself an unlikely guardian to a lonely little orphan named Anne-Marie (Judith Barsi). Her astounding ability to talk to animals and her strong sense of right and wrong leads this unlikely pair on an adventure packed with thrills, laughs, tears and love as Charlie seeks redemption, all the while risking damnation.

This classic animation for all the family is directed by Don Bluth, former Disney animator and creator of The Land Before Time and Anastasia.