A breed apart

British film returns the Lassie story to its classic roots | Andrew Coffin

Mention the name "Lassie," and most people will think of the 1950s television program. That show is both beloved and derided, the writers going to the dog-saves-the-day well perhaps one too many times.

"[Bark!] What's that Lassie? [Bark!] Timmy's in trouble? [Bark!] He's fallen into some quicksand? [Bark!] OK, you lead the way girl! [Bark, Bark!]"

Aside from the title character's name and breed, though, the television show has little to do with Lassie Come-Home, Eric Knight's 1938 children's novel. It is back to this original text that a new British film production of the story, Lassie (PG for some mild violent content and language), returns. The new film is a thoroughly welcome homecoming, featuring a stellar cast, lush Scottish scenery, and the sort of measured, intelligent storytelling sorely lacking from most children's entertainment.