Synopsis

Sam Carraclough, a miner who struggles to earn enough money to feed his family, sells the family’s collie, Lassie, to the Duke of Rudling, leaving his young son heartbroken over the loss of his canine companion. The film follows Lassie on the collie’s 500-mile journey from the Duke of Rudling’s estate in the Scottish Highlands to the Carraclough home.

Production notes

This is the 11th movie about Lassie, according to the producers. It is a remake of the 1943 film, Lassie Come Home, and is based on Eric Knight’s 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home.

The movie was filmed in Scotland, Ireland and on the Isle of Man, and though acclaimed by a number of critics, was generally poorly received at the box office. A New York Times reviewer praised the film, saying it “…balances cruelty and tenderness, pathos and humor without ever losing sight of its youngest audience member” and also exclaimed, “This ‘Lassie’ exhibits a repertory of facial expressions that would put Jim Carrey to shame”.

Trivia

• This was Michelle Williams’ film debut, portraying as the role of April Porter.