The Magic of Lassie

The Magic of Lassie
Lassie Productions / International Picture Show Co, 1978, Color, 100 minutes, ***
Released August, 1978

Enchantment awaits as an all-star cast including James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Stephanie Zimbalist and Pernell Roberts join Lassie in a full-length adventure the whole family will love.

In the beautiful wine country of northern California, Clovis Mitchell (Stewart), his grandchildren Chris and Kelly, and Lassie live on the family vineyard, land they love as much as they love each other. When the wealthy Mr. Jamison (Roberts) offers to buy the vineyard, Clovis turns him down. But he can't prevent Jamison, who is armed with proof of ownership, from taking Lassie away to Colorado. But neither man has reckoned on the powerful attachment between Chris and his dog. Lassie soon escapes from Jamison's estate and begins her long trek home. In the meantime, Chris has run away to search for Lassie. Their adventures on the long road back to each other will thrill, amuse, delight and amaze. In addition to the many beguiling performances, the film boasts seven songs sung by Pat and Debby Boone. For heartwarming entertainment, there's no magic like The Magic of Lassie! This attempt to rejuvinate the "Lassie" series was a total critical flop Critics called it a bomb or a "dog." But the film has many good moments. Stewart is wonderful, as always, and Alice Faye turns in her last performance. Debbie Boone and The Mike Curb Congregation sing the song score. It's an enjoyable film, and Lassie fans should find it as enchanting as any of the Lassie entries. [JJ]

Jack Wrather Presents
Produced by: Bonita Granville Wrather; William Beaudine, Jr.
Executive Producer: Jack Wrather
Directed by: Don Chaffey
Assistant Director: Don Torpin
Story by: Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman
Screenplay by: Jean Holloway, Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman
Music and Lyrics by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Music Supervised, Arranged and Conducted by: Irwin Kostal
Introducing: The Mike Curb Congregation
"Banjo Song" Choreographed by Martin Allen
Art Director: George Troast
Set Decorator: Carl Biddiscombe
Costumer: Ed Wynigear
Make-Up: Robert N. Norin
Hairdresser: Jo McCarthy
Sound: Ryder Sound Services
Director of Photography: Michael Margulies
Color by CFI
Film Editor: John C. Horger
Filmed at Hop Kiln Winery, Griffin Vineyard, Healdsburg, California

Cast: Mickey Rooney [Gus], Pernell Roberts [Jamison], Stephanie Zimbalist [Kelly Mitchell], Michael Sharrett [Chris Mitchell], Alice Faye [Alice], Gene Evans [Sheriff Andrews], Mike Mazurki [Apollo], Robert Lussier [Finch], Lane Davies [Allan], William Flatley [Truck Driver], James V. Reynolds [Officer Wilson], Rayford Barnes [Reward Seeker], W. D. Goodman [Mighty Manuel], Hank Metheney [Referee], Buck Young [T.V. Announcer], David Himes [Father], Ron Honthaner [Official], Ed Vasgersian [Lee], Bob Cashell [Ed], Robin Cawiezell [Girl in Casino], Gary Davis [Motorcycle Officer], Ralph Garrett [Kennelman], Pete Kellett [Security Guard], Klause Hense [Helicopter Pilot], Carl Nielsen [Mr. Kern], Regina Waldon [Mrs. Kern], Mike Curb Generation (Roger Jenkins, Jr., Maureen Smith, Nanci Bergman, Lynda Chase, Eddie D'Angelo, Mark McGee, Mary Bennett); James Stewart [as Clovis Mitchell], Lassie is Owned and Trained by Rudd Weatherwax, Debby Boone [offscreen vocals], Pat Boone [offscreen vocals]

Musical Program: [0:00] That Hometown Feeling (sung by James Stewart, Stephanie Zimbalist and Michael Sharett behind titles); [0:16] Brass Rings and Daydreams (sung offscreen by Debby Boone); [0:28] I Can't Say Goodbye (sung offscreen by The Mike Curb Congregation); [0:33] Nobody's Property (sung offscreen by The Mike Curb Congregation); [0:44] Traveling Music (sung by Mickey Rooney); [0:52] Nobody's Property (reprised by The Mike Curb Congregation); [1:01] There'll Be Other Friday Nights (sung offscreen by Debby Boone); [1:08] A Rose Is Not a Rose (sung by Alice Faye along with record of Pat Boone on jukebox at truck stop); [1:16] When You're Loved (sung offscreen by Debby Boone); [1:28] Banjo Song (sung by The Mike Curb Congregation onscreen); [1:35] Thanksgiving Prayer (spoken in verse by James Stewart); [1:36] When You're Loved (reprised offscreen by Debby Boone)