Le défi de Lassie

Edmund Gwenn and Donald Crisp join Lassie the Collie once more after having been teamed in the otherwise-unrelated "The Hills Of Home" from 1948. This heart-tugging, family-oriented saga, based on the book "Greyfriars Bobby" by Eleanor Atkinson, involves stray, untagged Lassie with a crusty old coot who can't figure out why the dog has a confounding need to get into the Greyfriars Churchyard, where animals are forbidden. Geraldine Brooks is the proverbial pretty girl/Elizabeth Taylor substitute, Kathryn Beaumont has an uncredited bit as a neighborhood child, Gwenn is his usual spunky self, yet the whole show belongs to Lassie. Whether crossing a wide river, digging her way out of a barn, climbing out a window, or outwitting the hysterical humans, the dog is shown to a star's advantage. Story remade by Disney in 1960 (under its original title and with a Skye terrier in the lead). ** from ****

Supposedly based on a true story this takes place in Scotland. Lassie's owner 'Jock' Gray (Donald Crisp) is killed by two thieves. Lassie will not rest unless she's sleeping by his grave. Unfortunately the laws in Scotland do not allow dogs in the graveyard and any dog that does not have an owner must be destroyed. Residents of the town try to save Lassie from being put to sleep against the nasty old judges.

OK--the plot is ridiculous and everybody talks down to the audience but what do you expect from a kids movie? Those problems aside, this is a great movie. It has incredible color photography and some of the backgrounds are just breath taking. Every single shot is in rich strong color and looks just beautiful. It also has a very impressive score that matches the movie beautifully. The acting is as OK as it could be and is mostly done by a competent group of character actors or unknowns. But this film belongs to Lassie. She looks just beautiful all through the film and there are incredible closeups of her. Also she does some impressive stunts for any dog. My one complaint is that she whines WAY too much. Yes, it fits the film but got on my nerves after a while. It's also pretty obvious that some of her whining was overdubbed! Still, this is a really beautiful film with a cute dog, beautiful color and a great score. Highly recommended for kids AND adults!

Six years after the original Lassie movie, the story still endures. In Challenge to Lassie, glorious Technicolor takes the audience to Scotland and tells a new tale of the adorable, loyal Collie. When Donald Crisp finds Lassie as a puppy, he's charmed by her and takes her home. He's always wanted a dog, and he takes great delight in his new companion. However, the start of the movie implies something ominous in the plot: Edmund Gwenn (who, in a rare highlight, gets top billing) is arguing in court for Lassie not to get put down. Who would want to put down the dog, and why? As he narrates the story, we learn the reason.

As usual in the Lassie flicks, there's a bit of sadness and Lassie has to rise above and find her way home or into the hearts of stubborn humans. Audiences tend to cry during these movies, but this time, I felt the movie went too far. These are supposed to be family friendly, and yet, death and heartache are tough to explain to children. If you look up this movie online, you'll find out what happens in the one-sentence synopsis: Donald Crisp dies and Lassie is left all alone. How is this an enjoyable family flick? I wouldn't watch this with my kids, but it's up to you. If you like seeing Crisp and Gwenn, stock actors in the series, playing new roles and stick frolicking around with Lassie, you can give it a shot.

Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to sadness involving animals, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

Was there ever an animal actor as compelling and affecting as Lassie? Regardless of the sex confusion (the first Lassie was actually a male, not the female the dog portrayed), Lassie was competent in his roles, this film being no exception.

The story is simple and heartfelt, based upon a true event - a terrier who so loved his master that, when he died, would faithfully guard and sleep on his dead master's grave. Hence "Greyfriar's Bobby" and his story was born. Take the time to look it up online, it's a wonderful story of love, devotion and how a town got involved in the life of one, poor dog.

The cast is delightful, filled with my favorite character actors from the 1940s - Donald Crisp, Edmund Gwenn, Reginald Owen, Alan Napier - wonderful actors no matter what the role.

According to IMDb, some of the filming was done at the actual location of Greyfriar's Churchyard. If true, it brings a beautiful touch of authenticity, even if Lassie is a collie and not a terrier.

This film is especially good for children to watch, as it teaches a lesson about devotion and loyalty and the heavy price one might have to pay for both. But the denouement is uplifting and joyous, and very special to watch.

I've loved this movie since I was a child, and now almost a half-century later, it still holds up,.

Treat your children and yourselves to a sweet, uplifting experience. The "Challenge To Lassie" is worth your time.

I am personally quite surprised at the film's low rating here. I love this film, I find it so easy to love and so endearing, affectionate and touching. The film looks gorgeous, with lush scenery and cinematography, and the music is soothing and fits splendidly. The dialogue amused and moved me, the story was always engaging and poignant and the film pace-wise was never dull, at least not for me. It is beautifully directed as well, and while actors such as Edmund Gwenn and Donald Crisp give very likable performances and fit their characters very well, Lassie steals the show. She is absolutely adorable, and I can't count the number of times I empathised with her here.

All in all, a lovely film. 10/10 Bethany Cox