Main Cast: James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Pernell Roberts, Stephanie Zimbalist, Michael Sharrett
Release Year: 1979
Country: US
Run Time: 100 minutes
Plot
This first Lassie film in nearly three decades (discounting the various feature-length compilations of Lassie TV episodes) is worth watching for its veteran cast. Lassie is legally wrested from freckled-faced Michael Sharrett by evil Pernell Roberts, who hopes that the kid's grandpa 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. Alice Faye, looking very well preserved, shows up to sing a song or two. Also contributing vocally are Pat Boone and Debby Boone and The Mike Curb Congregation; even Stewart gets to sing (he hasn't improved much since his last singing role in Broadway Melody of 1936, but you gotta love him). About the only cast member in The Magic of Lassie who doesn't sing is Mike Mazurki. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Alice Faye - Alice; Gene Evans - Sheriff Andrews; William Flatley - Truck Driver; Lassie the Dog; Robert Lussier - Finch; Mike Mazurki - Apollo; James V. Reynolds - Officer Wilson; Lane Davies - Allan Fogerty
The Magic of Lassie was produced by The Wrather Corporation in 1978. 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). Mickey Rooney and Alice Faye 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.
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.
