The Magic of Lassie
| The Magic of Lassie | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Don Chaffey |
| Produced by |
William Beaudine Jr. Bonita Granville |
| Written by |
Robert B. Sherman Richard M. Sherman Jean Holloway |
| Starring |
James Stewart Michael Sharrett Lassie Pernell Roberts Mickey Rooney Stephanie Zimbalist Alice Faye |
| Music by |
Songs: Richard M. Sherman Robert B. Sherman Score: Irwin Kostal |
| Cinematography | Michael D. Margulies |
| Edited by | John C. Harger |
| Distributed by | The International Picture Show Company |
Release dates |
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Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Magic of Lassie is a 1978 Wrather Corporation film. It features James Stewart in one of only two musical film roles that he played (the first was in 1936's Born to Dance, in which Stewart introduced the Cole Porter standard Easy To Love, the second is 1941's Pot_o'_Gold_(film)). Mickey Rooney and Alice Faye (in her final film appearance) also make cameo appearances in the film. The screenplay and song score are supplied by the prolific Sherman Brothers of Mary Poppins fame. Their song, "When You're Loved" was nominated for an Academy Award for "Best Song" and was sung by Debby Boone. It is also the only musical film featuring Lassie.
Released in the wake of Star Wars, the film was panned as old-fashioned and flopped at the box office. Critics expressed dismay at Stewart singing unmemorable songs as the grandfather. Following the film's failure he semi-retired from acting.
Plot
The story begins on the Mitchell Winery in Northern California. Lassie lives with Clovis Mitchell and his grandchildren, Chris and Kelly, but is discovered one day by her former owner. Lassie is taken back to the previous owner's estate in Colorado Springs. Dissatisfied with her new home, the dog runs away and travels across several states to be with the Mitchell family again.
Cast
- Mickey Rooney as Gus
- Pernell Roberts as Jamison
- Stephanie Zimbalist as Kelly Mitchell
- Michael Sharrett as Chris Mitchell
- Alice Faye as The Waitress (Alice)
- Gene Evans as Sheriff Andrews
- James Stewart as Clovis Mitchell
- Mike Mazurki as Apollo
- Robert Lussier as Finch
- Lane Davies as Allan Fogerty
- William Flatley as Truck Driver
- James Reynolds as Officer Wilson (as James V. Reynolds)
- Rayford Barnes as Reward Seeker
- W.D. Goodman as Mighty Manuel
- Hank Metheney as Referee
- Buck Young as T.V. Announcer
- David Himes as Father in Camper
- Ron Honthaner as Official
- Ed Vasgersian as Lee
- Bob Cashell as Ed
- Robyn Cawiezell as Girl in Casino
- Gary Davis as Motorcycle Officer
- Ralph Garrett as Kennelman
- Pete Kellett as Security Guard
- Klause Hense as Helicopter Pilot
- Carl Nielsen as Mr. Kern
- Regina Waldon as Mrs. Kern
External links
- The Magic of Lassie at the Internet Movie Database
- The Magic of Lassie at the TCM Movie Database
- The Magic of Lassie at AllMovie
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