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Lassie (1994 film) facts for kids

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Lassie
Lassie 1994 movie poster.jpg
Lassie 1994 release movie poster
Directed by Daniel Petrie
Produced by Lorne Michaels
Written by Eric Knight
Matthew Jacobs
Gary Ross
Elizabeth Anderson
Starring
Music by Basil Poledouris
Cinematography Kenneth MacMillan
Editing by Steve Mirkovich
Studio Broadway Video
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) July 22, 1994 (1994-07-22)
Running time 94 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Money made $9,979,683

Lassie is a heartwarming adventure and family movie from 1994. It was directed by Daniel Petrie and stars Tom Guiry and Michelle Williams. The film features the famous fictional collie dog, Lassie.

Story of Lassie and Matt

The Turner family moves from Baltimore, Maryland, to a small town called Franklin Falls in Tazewell County, Virginia. They hope to start a new life there. This move is tough for everyone, especially 13-year-old Matt (Tom Guiry). He feels lonely and out of place. Matt is also still sad about his mother's death and his father Steve's (Jon Tenney) new marriage to Laura (Helen Slater).

One day, the family takes in a stray collie dog named Lassie. With Lassie's help, Matt slowly starts to feel better about his new home and family. Lassie even saves Matt's life from an aggressive gray wolf one night. After this, Matt and Lassie become very close friends.

Starting a Sheep Farm

Matt's father loses his planned job. With help from his grandfather, Len Collins (Richard Farnsworth), Matt convinces his family to start a sheep farm. This had been his mother's dream.

As the Turners begin their new farm, a wealthy neighbor named Sam Garland (Frederic Forrest) tries to stop them. Sam wants the grazing land the Turners are using for his own sheep. Sam has two sons, Josh (Clayton Barclay Jones) and Jim Garland (Charlie Hofheimer), who go to school with Matt. Both boys dislike Matt. Josh is especially jealous because a girl he likes, April Porter (Michelle Williams), is more interested in Matt.

Lassie's Heroic Rescue

Eventually, Sam, with his sons and helpers, steals the Turners' new sheep. They also kidnap Lassie. But Lassie is smart and manages to escape. She and Matt work together to get their sheep back.

However, Josh and Jim catch up to them. During a struggle, Josh falls into a fast-moving river, heading towards dangerous rapids and a waterfall. Matt bravely rescues Josh, but then Matt himself is in danger. Lassie then saves Matt, but she goes over the waterfall herself. Matt is horrified, thinking Lassie is lost.

A Happy Reunion

Sam Garland learns that Matt saved his son, Josh. He apologizes to the Turners for his bad actions and for the loss of Lassie. The Turners hold a small memorial for Lassie near a tree where Matt's mother had carved her initials years ago. Matt carves Lassie's name above his mother's initials.

But Lassie is a survivor! Even though she is hurt, she manages to return home shortly after. She is reunited with Matt at his school, bringing a happy end to their adventure.

Meet the Cast

  • Howard as Lassie
  • Tom Guiry as Matthew Turner
  • Helen Slater as Laura Turner
  • Jon Tenney as Steve Turner
  • Brittany Boyd as Jennifer Turner
  • Frederic Forrest as Sam Garland
  • Richard Farnsworth as Len Collins
  • Michelle Williams as April Porter
  • Joe Inscoe as Pete Jarman
  • Yvonne Brisendine as Mrs. Jarman
  • Clayton Barclay Jones as Josh Garland
  • Charlie Hofheimer as Jim Garland
  • Jody Smith Strickler as Mildred Garland
  • Margaret Peery as Mrs. Parker
  • David Bridgewater as Customer
  • Earnest Poole, Jr. as Highway Patrolman #1
  • Jeffrey H. Gray as Highway Patrolman #2
  • Robert B. Brittain as Grommet Fireman
  • Rick Warner as Timid Neighbor
  • Kelly L. Edwards as Smoking Girl
  • Jordan Young as Smoking Boy
  • Katie Massa as College Student

Filming Locations

The movie Lassie was mostly filmed in New York, Naro, and Boomer Island.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lassie (película de 1994) para niños

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