"The Magic of Lassie" is a 1978 family musical film directed by Don Chaffey. It is the third film in the "Lassie" series and features the iconic collie dog, Lassie, in her adventures with a young girl named Lassie (played by Dee Wallace). The film's cast includes a number of talented actors. James Stewart, a Hollywood legend, plays the role of Clovis Mitchell, Lassie's owner and grandfather to the girl Lassie. Stewart brings his trademark charm and warmth to the character, portraying Clovis as a caring and kind-hearted man who deeply loves his dog and granddaughter. Pamela Franklin, an English actress, takes on the role of Priscilla Mitchell, Lassie's mother.
The Magic of Lassie
Lassie is claimed from his family by a "former owner" and then braves a cross country trip to rejoin the ones that love her.
Cast
Director Director
Producers Producers
Executive Producer Exec. Producer
Writers Writers
Casting Casting
Editor Editor
Cinematography Cinematography
Art Direction Art Direction
Set Decoration Set Decoration
Composer Composer
Songs Songs
Makeup Makeup
Hairstyling Hairstyling
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Alternative Titles
Unsere Lassie, La magia de Lassie, La Magie de Lassie, Varázslatos Lassie, La più bella avventura di Lassie, Магия Лэсси
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02 Aug 1978
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02 Aug 1978
- Theatrical G
Pamela Franklin, an English actress, takes on the role of Priscilla Mitchell, Lassie's mother. Franklin's performance is both gentle and heartfelt, as she showcases the strong bond between Lassie and her owner. Her character adds a touch of emotion and vulnerability to the story.
Popular reviews
Fairly difficult to see now for some bizarre reason, this perpetual kiddie matinee film from the late '70s bombed hard at the box office as a last gasp attempt to ride that decade's Hollywood nostalgia boom (following everything from That's Entertainment! to Movie Movie). It's corny, predictable, and more than a bit soppy, but the chance to see James Stewart and Alice Faye in their big screen swan songs carries some weight. More importantly, the music by the great Sherman Brothers in their post-Disney phase has some really strong melodies if you're into '70s soft pop, (The fact that they wrote this after Snoopy Come Home is also kind of weird; you could program them as a Sherman Brothers weepy separated dog musical double feature.) The fact that Don Chaffey (Jason and the Argonauts, The Three Lives of Thomasina) made this in between Pete's Dragon and C.H.O.M.P.S. makes perfect sense, too.
I remember nothing about this film other than that my father thought that my sister and I needed to experience a movie at Radio City Music Hall and somehow got tickets to the world premiere. I remember the majesty of the the theater and that there were live dogs performing tricks and agility drills on stage before the movie. But I remember nothing of the movie itself.
Possiamo considerarlo come primo remake di Torna a casa Lassie, dato che i precedenti lungometraggi si sono sforzati di cambiare trama ogni volta (anche se le similitudini evidenti c'erano, ma nel loro caso non è stato un problema). James Stewart nei panni di un nonno amorevole amante delle cose vecchie, dato che non si fa problemi ad usare una ancor funzionante auto d'epoca. Rispetto al primo film mancano un po' di emozioni, anche se le canzoni sono molto belle, e la scena del gattino fa un po' luccicare gli occhi. Mickey Rooney amava molto farsi chiamare Gus al cinema.
Oof. Good old James Stewart does his best, but this is mawkish kiddie fare of the highest order, complete with some truly terrible on-the-nose musical moments.
Additionally, the film includes musical performances by several talented artists. Legendary singer and actor Mickey Rooney portrays Gus, a traveling musician who becomes involved in Lassie's adventures. Rooney's lively and charismatic presence brings an element of excitement to the film, and his musical talents are showcased in several musical numbers. The film's soundtrack includes songs composed by renowned songwriters Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Their catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics add to the magical and uplifting atmosphere of the film. One of the standout songs is "Nobody's Property," which reflects the strong bond between Lassie and her owner. "The Magic of Lassie" is a heartwarming family film that showcases the enduring magic of the beloved collie dog. The talented cast, including James Stewart, Pamela Franklin, and Mickey Rooney, along with the enchanting musical numbers, create a magical and unforgettable viewing experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you are a fan of Lassie or enjoy heartwarming family films, "The Magic of Lassie" is sure to captivate and entertain..
Reviews for "Behind the Camera: The Talented Minds Behind "The Magic of Lassie" Cast"
1. Lucy - 2 stars - I found "The Magic of Lassie" to be incredibly dull and predictable. The storyline lacked originality and failed to captivate my interest. The acting was subpar, with performances that felt forced and wooden. Even the presence of Lassie couldn't salvage this film for me. Overall, I was very disappointed with the cast and the lackluster execution of what could have been a heartwarming tale.
2. Mark - 1 star - I am a fan of the original Lassie films, but "The Magic of Lassie" was a major letdown. The cast, in particular, was incredibly weak, with lackluster performances that lacked depth and emotion. The plot was predictable, and I found myself bored throughout the entire film. The chemistry between the characters was non-existent, making it difficult to feel invested in their story. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a quality Lassie experience.
3. Rachel - 2 stars - As a dog lover, I was excited to see "The Magic of Lassie." However, I was disappointed by the cast and their lack of chemistry with the illustrious Lassie. The acting felt forced and unnatural, with little depth or emotion. The storyline was also uninspiring, failing to fully utilize the potential of the canine star. While the film had its heartwarming moments, the overall execution left much to be desired. I was hoping for a more magical and enchanting experience, but unfortunately, this was not the case.
4. Jason - 1 star - "The Magic of Lassie" was a complete disappointment. The cast appeared disinterested in their roles, resulting in lackluster performances that were difficult to connect with. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, leaving me confused and uninvested in the story. Even the presence of Lassie couldn't save this film from being a snooze fest. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time on this lackluster production.