LASSIE COME HOME

LASSIE COME HOME is a Hollywood classic, kicking off the movie and TV career of Lassie, the celebrated showbiz dog. After Joe’s family must sell his beloved dog, Lassie, she will stop at nothing to escape and return home.

Times are challenging in Yorkshire, England, and Sam Carraclough must make a difficult decision — to sell his son Joe’s beloved collie, Lassie, to the Duke of Rudling. The Duke has long admired the beautiful dog, who is also a brilliant animal; she can open doors and always knows exactly when school lets out, so she can wait for Joe.

Joe is upset by the news, but he understands the direness of his family’s financial situation and accepts that they will sell Lassie. The Duke takes Lassie back to his estate, but the dog is unhappy, as noted by his granddaughter Priscilla, who has taken a special interest in Lassie.

Lassie escapes from the Duke’s home twice, burrowing under the fence, then jumping over it, and always returns to Joe. The Duke and his kennelmaster plan to end this issue by taking Lassie to Scotland for a dog show.

However, nothing will stop Lassie from returning to her home and family. She escapes, with a bit of help from Priscilla, and begins the long journey from Scotland to Yorkshire. Along the way, she encounters dangers, such as shepherds who mistake her for a thief and shoot at her, as well as friends, like an older couple who nurse her back to health.

The old couple wants to keep Lassie for their own, and Lassie stays with them for a while, but can’t shake her desire to go home to Joe. The couple recognizes this and allows her to go and continue her journey.

Once again, Lassie finds herself in danger after she befriends a traveling salesman and his dog. Things are happy for a time, but a pair of thieves attack the group, and they have to fight them off. The salesman’s dog ultimately dies in the process.

Like the older couple, the salesman sends Lassie off to fulfill her mission. Danger strikes again when animal control officers chase Lassie through town. After jumping out the window, she hurt her leg but continues running home.

Finally, Lassie makes it home, and Joe’s parents greet her. They were both initially adamant that Lassie stays with the Duke, as he had purchased her fair and square, but upon seeing her again, they decided they must keep her. At that moment, the Duke and Priscilla show up, asking if they have seen Lassie. Will Lassie finally be permitted to find her way home?

LASSIE COME HOME is a sweet, touching story about the power of friendship and love. It is a Hollywood classic, launching the careers of stars such as Lassie, Roddy McDowall, and Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to its heartwarming plot, LASSIE COME HOME features beautiful shots of the British and Scottish countryside.

LASSIE COME HOME has a strong moral worldview. It promotes themes of friendship and love, as well as sacrifice (ex., Joe’s acceptance that the family must sell Lassie because they need money) and honesty (ex., Sam has a frank conversation with Joe about being honest and true to your word when Joe asks why they can’t just keep Lassie after she runs away). There are a few scenes where characters are smoking, as well as some brief action violence, but otherwise, LASSIE COME HOME contains no objectionable content. MOVIEGUIDE® advises slight caution for younger viewers.