Desafio de Lassie

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

Its hard for me to watch this or judge it well as it seems, plot-wise, its successor 1960's Greyfriar's Bobby almost completely ripped off the plot.

When I read the synopsis in the TV guide, I actually thought the movie title was misprinted. However after giving it a shot, I did notice some amazing similarities and some good differences. Differences I guess that epitomised a Lassie film back then.

I know the 60's movie Greyfriar's Bobby very well, so I did chuckle at many references that was 'inspired or duplicated'.

And having Donald Crisp have a role in the movie, then 11 years later appear in effectively the same movie, in a different role tied both the movies well. But to me Greyfriar's Bobby, the TRUE dog, will always be better than Lassie.

Lassie or Bobby.. it doesn't really matter. The story is absolutely compelling from start to finish.

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.

A wonderful movie starring the original Lassie. A sad tale of an owner who dies and his loyal dog who prefers to sleep on his grave only to find it is against the law. The movie is a Lassie movie of old, that's for sure and a treat to view and watch. A real family film, entertaining for all ages. The setting is Scotland and of course, we see it is a Hollywood set, but so what? It is a wonderful film and you will become enraptured with this beautiful collie dog who acts and performs like a human being. I highly recommend the film. Very lovely, endearing and a real treat. As is any Lassie movie. Don't miss it. It comes on TV a lot or rent or buy it. It is a keeper.

It's 1860 Edinburgh. Lassie is on trial. John Traill (Edmund Gwenn) insists on giving voice to the dog as he recounts the story. Jock Gray (Donald Crisp) saved Lassie as a pup and they become inseparable. Even after his death, she remains at his unmarked grave. The local magistrate orders the unlicensed dog be destroyed since her owner is dead and only the owner can pay for the license.

It's a simple family film. The premise is a little silly if it isn't life and death for the dog. The best moment is certainly the children coming to court. It's the same as the mail bags delivered to the court to prove Santa's identity. All in all, it's good simple family fare.