Based on a true story and a real person, Congressman and later Senator George Vest. The actual trial was in Missouri not as portrayed in Kansas. Also the young boy that sued was actually awarded $50 (maximum allowed by Mo. Law) not The $500 in the teleplay.
The dogs real name is Old Drum not Johnny as used in the teleplay. Also Old Drum has a plaque laid in stone in front of The Old Johnson County Courthouse and location of the trial, A Statue in front of Johnson County courthouse in Warrensburg, Mo., a bust of Old Drum resides in the Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City, Missouri, and finally a State historical marker in Owensboro, Kentucky, The Home State of George Vest.