When many people hear the name Lassie, they immediately picture a courageous, loyal Collie dog embarking on adventures and saving lives. The Lassie movies and television series have become iconic in American culture, symbolising bravery, loyalty, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Behind this beloved franchise lies a rich history filled with fascinating anecdotes, heartwarming tales, and significant cultural impact. But who is Lassie? Why is she so famous? Let's find out!
Who is Lassie?
Lassie is a long-haired Rough Collie who was brought to life in a short story titled "Lassie Come-Home," written by Eric Knight in 1938 and based on his childhood adventures with his Collie dog named Toots. Originally published in The Saturday Evening Post, the tale captured readers' hearts with its poignant portrayal of a loyal Collie's journey to reunite with his beloved human companion. The story's popularity led to a novel adaptation in 1940 before capturing the attention of MGM Studios. On screen, the role of Lassie was played by a male dog called Pal who would go on to make the fortune of owner and trainer Rudd Weatherwax and his family.
Is Lassie a boy or a girl?
Surprisingly, the character of Lassie was always played by males, even though the fictional character was a female. It was also the case in the movie. The dog actor who played Lassie was a male called Pal. Dog trainer Weatherwax said he used males for a good reason: both sexes change their coats in the summer when the films and series were often filmed. According to Weatherwax, a male Collie has a thicker coat, and during the moulting season, he does not look ''so scornful and skinny''.
Transition to the movie screen
In 1943, MGM Studios adapted "Lassie Come-Home" into a big-screen movie directed by Fred M. Wilcox featuring little-known cast members Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy Mc Dowell. This marked the cinematic debut of Lassie, portrayed by Pal. Set in Yorkshire during the Depression, it followed Lassie after she was sold to the Duke of Rudling. However, Lassie wouldn't have anything to do with the Duke and runs away back to her original family. After the Duke gets her back, his granddaughter recognises the dog's unhappiness and helps her escape.
The canine star's performance as Lassie garnered widespread acclaim, establishing the character's on-screen persona as courageous, intelligent, and deeply devoted to his human family. The film's success launched Lassie into cinematic stardom and set the stage for subsequent films and television adaptations.
The huge success of this film prompted the filmmakers to produce a sequel: "Son of Lassie" in 1945, "Courage of Lassie" in 1946, and "Hills of Home" in 1948. Later, "The Magic of Lassie" was made in 1979, and "Lassie" in 1994.
The rise of Lassie in films
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, MGM produced several Lassie films, each featuring heartwarming stories of bravery and loyalty. These films resonated with audiences of all ages, emphasizing timeless themes such as friendship, determination, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. Pal continued to portray Lassie in most of these films, captivating viewers with his expressive eyes and remarkable acting abilities.
Television adaptations
From 1946 to 1949, a radio programme recounted the adventures of the famous Lassie and. Then, in 1954, the Lassie franchise expanded to television with the premiere of "Lassie," a series that would become one of the longest-running in television history. The show followed the adventures of Lassie and her human companions, highlighting moral lessons and the importance of empathy and kindness. Every Sunday night for 18 years, an episode of Lassie was broadcast. The series ran from 1954 to 1973, and according to the show's producers, more than twenty dogs played Lassie.
In 1972, ABC filmed a new series of episodes, and finally, in 1988, a third series was filmed and broadcast under the title "The New Lassie." The TV series made Lassie one of the most iconic animals in television history and spawned several films featuring well-known names like Peter O'Toole and Edward Fox.
Pal: The dog who brought Lassie to life
The first dog to play Lassie was Pal, a beautiful Rough Collie with nothing to do with the cinema world. Pal had been brought to Rudd Weatherwax, a dog trainer, because he needed to be trained, and also, its owner wasn’t happy that Pal kept chasing after mopeds. So, Rudd had to train the Collie to stop doing that. He succeeded in training the dog, but that did not stop him from chasing mopeds. For this reason, Pal's owner refused to pay the trainer and left him the dog instead of payment. Rudd, therefore, became Pal’s new owner. At that time, no one imagined the animal would become the world's most famous Collie.
Several Collies were "auditioned" for the lead role and understudy roles. Pal was chosen to be one of the understudies. When the "lead actress" refused to do a scene where she had to swim across a river, Rudd Weatherwax was asked to bring Pal to the scene. Without hesitation, Pal crossed the river and washed up on the other side, apparently completely exhausted. In doing so, he had dethroned the film's original star, much to the delight of his trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.
How did Lassie die?
Lassie, or should we say Pal, had a short and sad end to his life. At just six years old, he crossed the rainbow bridge after battling cancer. Many fans suspected something was wrong with the dog as he didn't seem to have the same energy as before in the episodes. After Pal's death, the show's producers decided to use Pal's puppies that he'd fathered in real life as cast members. More than 10 different Collies replaced Pal in the series.
Impact of Lassie on Collie's popularity
The Lassie films and TV series significantly bolstered the rough collie's popularity, especially during the breed's peak in 1979 when annual puppy registrations exceeded 8,000 in the UK, placing them among the top 10 breeds. Lassie's portrayal in novels, films, television, radio programs, animations, and comics solidified the collie's association with loyalty and heroism, making it a beloved choice for families worldwide. Despite recent declines in numbers, Lassie's enduring legacy continues to resonate, preserving the collie's place in cultural memory.
How many Lassie films are there?
There are many Lassie movies as well as TV series and remakes. Below, in chronological order, are all the classic Metro Goldwyn Mayer productions:
- Lassie Come Home (1943)
- Son of Lassie (1945)
- Courage of Lassie (1946)
- The Hills of Home (1948)
- The Sun Comes Up (1949)
- Challenge To Lassie (1949)
- The Painted Hill (1951)
- Lassie's Great Adventure (1963)
- The Magic of Lassie (1978)
- Lassie (1994)
- Lassie (2005)
- Lassie Comes Home (2020)
What awards and honours has the Lizzie franchise received?
The Lassie film franchise has received numerous awards and honours:
- In 2005, Lassie was named one of the 100 Icons of the Century by Variety, the only animal on the list
- The TV series won two Emmy Awards before its cancellation in 1973
- Lassie was honoured with nine PATSY Awards from 1958 to 1971 by the American Humane Association
- First inductee into the American Humane Association's Hall of Fame in 1973
Lassie, the iconic Rough Collie, has captivated audiences for decades, embodying themes of loyalty and courage. From her literary debut in Lassie Come-Home to her cinematic and television stardom, Lassie's adventures have left a lasting mark on American culture. The character's portrayal by Pal and subsequent Collies cemented her status as a symbol of devotion and bravery. Despite changes in popularity, Lassie's legacy endures, reflecting the timeless bond between humans and their beloved dogs.
