Le défi de Lassie

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.

Long before Mel Gibson and his Braveheart chums erroneously and treacherously painted Robert the Bruce as a traitor to the people he served so heroically, Hollywood was trampling all over the memory of that other great Scottish hero, Greyfriar's Bobby. Challenge to Lassie removes the faithful terrier, replacing him with some big shot American sheepdog, surrounded by 'actors' whose Scottish accents are so bad you wonder if they've given up half way through, tried an Irish one, realised they're not much cop at that either and tried Scottish again to no avail.

Hopefully Braveheart will pay the same price for attempting to alter Scotland's proud history and be as anonymous in forty odd years as Challenge to Lassie is now.

An evil, evil film.

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

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.