There is a superstition that if the Barbary Apes are ever gone from Gibraltar, the British will be gone. Scruffy takes place at the beginning of WWII. The number of apes is falling rapidly much to the delight of German propaganda. Prime Minister Churchill recognizing the terrible effect their loss would have on the forces moral issues a memo saying that he is concerned about the continued well-being of the apes and that their numbers should be maintained at 24. (He actually did this - fact, not fiction) The numbers are already below 24. Suddenly the only hope is to have Scruffy mate and produce an off-spring.

Scruffy is the mean, cantankerous male ape of one of the two ape packs on the Rock. His intended is Amelia.

The story is often crazily funny, but it is also a tender love story. Both officers charged with the caring for the apes fall in love, and eventually so does Scruffy.

Gallico is a consumate story teller. Scruffy is a delight to read. ( )

A humourous adventure concerning a trouble-making Barbary Ape named Scruffy, who causes all kinds of trouble to the British soldiers at Gibraltar who are supposed to look after the apes, especially young Captain Timothy Bailey of the Royal Artillery. Good light-hearted fun, set in 1939. ( )