Watch The Magic of Lassie

The Magic of Lassie is a 1978 musical adventure film directed by Don Chaffey and featuring an ensemble cast that includes James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Pernell Roberts, and Stephanie Zimbalist, among others. The movie follows the adventures of Lassie, the famous collie, who gets separated from her beloved family and embarks on a journey to find her way home.

The story begins with Lassie living happily with her owner, Clovis Mitchell (played by Pernell Roberts), and his family in a quaint little town. Clovis is a music professor and a composer, and he has a special bond with Lassie, whom he teaches to sing along with his musical compositions. However, their idyllic life is interrupted when Clovis's greedy brother, Cully (played by James Stewart), shows up with his wife, and tries to convince Clovis to sell him the land where their house is situated.

When Clovis refuses to sell the land, Cully resorts to dirty tricks and hires two men to steal Lassie and sell her to a wealthy family in another town. Poor Lassie is heartbroken and lost without her family, but she soon finds new friends in the form of a young boy named Matt Turner (played by a young Robert Lussier) and his grandfather, a kindly old man named Forest Ranger Corey Stuart (played by Mickey Rooney).

Matt and his grandfather are camping in the woods when they stumble upon Lassie, who is injured and exhausted after her long journey. They decide to take care of her and nurse her back to health, and Lassie becomes a beloved member of their little family. Matt is particularly fond of Lassie and spends most of his time playing with her and teaching her new tricks.

However, their happiness is short-lived when Cully and his goons show up in the woods, looking for Lassie. They threaten to take her away from Matt and his grandfather, but with the help of Stuart's ranger friends, Matt and Lassie manage to evade their pursuers and embark on a perilous adventure through the wilderness to reunite with Clovis and save their land from the evil Cully.

The Magic of Lassie is a heartwarming tale of love, loyalty, and adventure that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It has all the trappings of a classic family film, including gorgeous scenery, lovable animal characters, catchy musical numbers, and a strong moral message about the virtues of kindness, courage, and perseverance.

One of the standout features of the film is the performance of the legendary actor, James Stewart, who brings a great deal of humor and depth to his role as Cully Mitchell, the greedy and conniving brother of Clovis. Despite his villainous character, Stewart manages to make Cully a sympathetic and complex figure, with shades of humanity that add depth to the story.

Another strong point of the film is the chemistry between Lassie and her human co-stars. Lassie, played by a beautiful collie named Magic, is a natural performer who steals every scene she's in with her adorable antics and expressive eyes. Her bond with Matt, played by a young actor with a natural talent for comedy and drama, is particularly touching, and their scenes together will melt even the coldest hearts.

Finally, the film's soundtrack, composed by the legendary Alan Jay Lerner and Burton Lane, is a delight for fans of classic musicals. The songs, ranging from catchy sing-alongs to poignant ballads, are perfectly integrated into the story and add an extra layer of emotion and charm to the film.

Overall, The Magic of Lassie is a charming and delightful film that will appeal to anyone who loves animals, adventure, and great storytelling. Its message of love and loyalty is as relevant today as it was when the film was first released, and its timeless appeal makes it a must-watch for families looking for wholesome entertainment that will both entertain and inspire.