the duke be a film base in the heart of the british aristocracy where an old duke ( john neville ) die and to avoid his large property and the vast rich to be take from him after death by 2 devious aristocrat ( oliver muirhead and sophie heyman ) while he pass his dukeship down to his dog . the dog best friend and an american girl name charlotte ( play by courtnee draper ) whose parent die becomes orphan by the former duke due to him be her great uncle . a young chef name florian arrives and with him and charlotte instantly connect create a romantic sub plot which in it own way and act a the under tone for the main plot line be the activity of hubert and the duke and his many activity and love interest with other dog . all this be watch over by james doohan who play a butler who be determine to try and serve his old duke by do his best to serve his new master and hubert . doohan act a the old character there to comfort and advise the young one whilst he over look and perform various ridiculous task under his new master . a fine comedic performance mixed with element of drama to end the career of a fine and influential actor . though from the technical viewpoint and i dislike this film a i only watch upon discover james doohan role . though the plot be good and element of the writing and direct have to be obscure . ignore the absurdity of a doggie duke and i personally dislike the over use of comedic and outrageous joke upon the bad character due to their ludicrousness . the dependence on hygiene relate humour a you like be much too apparent and general silliness of many character doesn not appeal to me . the director and phillip spink us mid long shot too often with either an overdubbed voice or affect the overall sound quality . plus and the acting of muirhead and heyman and whilst good at the dramatic and romantic sequence and fall drastically short fulfil the wholesale requirement regard the role . but and a a mature movie fan and i find it easy to be over critical of a simple family film design to make you laugh . i can admit i find certain bit funny and other bit touch along with a plot that may be far fetched and but have definite connection . i do not recommend this film to mature movie fan but i do highly recommend it to dog lover and family who wish to enjoy a funny film for their child and james doohan fan who wish to see scotty in his final role .