The Magic of Lassie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Magic of Lassie
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Don Chaffey
Produced by	William Beaudine Jr. Bonita Granville Wrather
Written by	Jean Holloway Robert B. Sherman Richard M. Sherman
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 Margulies
Editing by	John C. Harger
Studio	Lassie Productions
Distributed by	International Picture Show Company
Release date(s)	August 2, 1978 (1978-08-02)
Running time	100 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$3 million

The Magic of Lassie is a 1978 American family musical drama film. It was directed by Don Chaffey. The movie stars the famous dog Lassie, along with actors like James Stewart, Stephanie Zimbalist, Pernell Roberts, and Michael Sharrett. You'll also see special appearances by Mickey Rooney and Alice Faye. This was Alice Faye's last movie role.

Interestingly, this was one of the few musical movies for James Stewart. He sang in only two other films: Born to Dance (1936) and Pot O' Gold (1941). This was also his very last live-action film role. The songs and story were created by the famous Sherman Brothers. They wrote many songs for Walt Disney films, including Mary Poppins (1964). Their song "When You're Loved" from this movie was even nominated for an Academy Award! It was sung by Debby Boone. This is also the only musical movie ever made featuring Lassie.

When the film came out, it was released after the huge hit Star Wars. Some people felt it seemed a bit old-fashioned compared to newer movies. It didn't do as well as hoped at the box office.

The Story of Lassie's Adventure

The movie begins at the Mitchell Vineyard in Northern California. This vineyard is very important to Clovis Mitchell (James Stewart). He is a kind grandfather who takes care of his grandchildren, Kelly (Stephanie Zimbalist) and Chris (Michael Sharrett). But the real heart of their home is Lassie, a beautiful and smart collie dog.

One night, a man named Jamison (Pernell Roberts) and his helper Finch (Robert Lussier) visit the vineyard. They want to buy the land from Clovis, but he refuses. Lassie growls at them, sensing trouble. Jamison promises to come back. He does, and this time he claims Lassie belongs to him. He says she was one of his puppies who escaped during a fire. He even shows a tattoo mark in her ear as proof. Clovis has no choice but to give Lassie up, which breaks his grandchildren's hearts.

Lassie, however, has other plans! She is taken by a private plane to Jamison's home in Colorado Springs. Even with a fancy new collar, Lassie manages to escape. She is chased by a helicopter and dog catchers through the mountains of Colorado. Lassie is very clever and gets away. She even faces a cougar before meeting new friends: Gus (Mickey Rooney), a wrestling manager, and Apollo (Mike Mazurki), a kind, strong man who works with Gus.

While Gus and Apollo help Lassie with her injuries and give her food, young Chris decides to search for Lassie himself. He runs away from school and heads off alone. His worried grandfather goes to find him, and Kelly and her boyfriend, Allan Fogerty (Lane Davies), contact the police. Chris travels by hiding on a car transporter truck. He gets off the truck, buys food from a friendly waitress (Alice Faye), and then hides in the back of a cattle truck.

The waitress hears about Chris being missing and calls his home to tell Kelly where he was. But Chris is already on the move again, and so is Lassie! Chris is in an empty cattle truck, and Lassie is riding in a freight train car. Lassie bravely jumps from the train to continue her journey. Meanwhile, Clovis and a police officer hear Chris's cries. He is almost crushed by a herd of cows being loaded into his hiding place! Luckily, everyone makes it home safely. Allan, the young lawyer, helps prove that Lassie belongs to Clovis.

Lassie continues her long and difficult journey. She is wet, her paws are sore, and she is limping. She stumbles upon the Mike Curb Congregation, a music group, who are rehearsing. The group takes Lassie with them to their show. During the performance, a flare accidentally falls over and starts a fire! Everyone panics. Lassie bravely tries to save a kitten from a burning room. For a moment, everyone thinks she is gone. But she isn't! The next day, on Thanksgiving, Lassie, tired and dirty, comes wagging her tail over the hill. She is finally home with Chris, Clovis, and Kelly.

Meet the Cast

Here are some of the main actors and the characters they played:

• James Stewart as Clovis Mitchell (the grandfather)
• Stephanie Zimbalist as Kelly Mitchell (the granddaughter)
• Pernell Roberts as Jamison (the man who tries to take Lassie)
• Michael Sharrett as Chris Mitchell (the grandson)
• Mickey Rooney as Gus (Lassie's new friend)
• Alice Faye as the Waitress (Alice)
• Gene Evans as Sheriff Andrews
• Mike Mazurki as Apollo
• Robert Lussier as Finch
• Lane Davies as Allan Fogerty
• James V. Reynolds as Officer Wilson

Movie Music (Soundtrack)

The music from The Magic of Lassie was released as a soundtrack album. It came out in the United States on November 23, 1978. This was the first soundtrack album released by Peter Pan Records under their Orange Blossom label. The songs were written by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman. All the music was put together and conducted by Irwin Kostal.

Some of the songs on the US version of the album include:

• "When You're Loved" – sung by Debby Boone
• "Nobody's Property" – sung by Mike Curb Congregation
• "Travellin' Music" – sung by Mickey Rooney
• "That Hometown Feeling" – sung by James Stewart
• "Thanksgiving Prayer" – also sung by James Stewart

A slightly different version of The Magic of Lassie soundtrack was released in the United Kingdom in February 1979. This version had a new cover and a different order for the songs. It also included three songs not on the US release. These were an instrumental version of "Nobody's Property" by Irwin Kostal, a new recording of "A Rose Is Not a Rose" by Alice Faye, and a second version of "When You're Loved" by Debby Boone.