This first big screen Lassie movie in decades, Don Chaffey’s version is marked by a star cast, including Jimmy Stewart, Mickey Rooney, and Alice Faye.
Lassie is legally wrested from freckled-faced Michael Sharrett by the evil Jamison (Pernell Roberts), who hopes that the kid’s grandpa Clovis Mitchell (Jimmy Stewart) will sell his valuable vineyards to “ransom” the dog.
Roberts’ scheme falls through, and Lassie makes her getaway, embarking upon a grueling trek to be reunited with her young master.
Vet singer Alice Faye sings an Oscar nominated song, and so do Pat Boone, Debby Boone, and The Mike Curb Congregation; even Stewart gets to sing.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Original Song: When You’re Loved, music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner of the Original Song Oscar was Paul Jabara’s “Last Dance,” from the movie Thank God It’s Friday.
MPAA: G.
Running time: 110 minutes.
Directed by Don Chaffey
Released: August 2, 1978
DVD: August 21, 1991
MGM Home Entertainment
