LATEST `LASSIE' IS STILL TOP DOG.Byline: Valerie Kuklenski Staff Writer The standard Lassie Lassie canine star of popular film and TV series. [TV: Terrace, II, 13–15; Radio: Buxton, 135] See : Dogs myth is a heroic tale of a collie collie, breed of large, agile working dog developed in Scotland during the 17th and 18th cent. It stands from 22 to 26 in. (55.9–66 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 50 to 75 lb (22.7–34 kg). -- with hair a starlet star·let n. 1. A small star. 2. A young film actress publicized as a future star. starlet Noun a young actress who has the potential to become a star Noun 1. aspires to -- exhibiting great bravery as she helps to rescue her human pal Timmy from a well or some other peril. But ``Lassie,'' the 2006 feature (being released on Tuesday on DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. ), tones down the super-canine traits and makes her a more regular dog looking out for No. 1, and that's a large part of the film's charm. Directed by Charles Sturridge, ``Lassie'' takes the beloved pooch back to her English roots with a story based on the original Eric Knight Eric Knight (April 10, 1897 - January 15, 1943) was an author who is mainly notable for creating the fictional collie Lassie. He was a native of Yorkshire in England, and had a varied career, including service in the Canadian Army during World War I and spells as an art novel and first seen on the big screen in 1943's ``Lassie Come Home'' with child stars Elizabeth Taylor Noun 1. Elizabeth Taylor - United States film actress (born in England) who was a childhood star; as an adult she often co-starred with Richard Burton (born in 1932) Taylor and Roddy McDowall Roderick Andrew Anthony Jude McDowall (September 17, 1928 – October 3, 1998) was an English/American actor. Biography Early life McDowall was born in Herne Hill, London, to Thomas Andrew McDowall, a Merchant Mariner of Scottish descent, and Winsfriede L. . The dog of the title belongs to Joe, the young son of Yorkshire coal miner Sam Carraclough (John Lynch) and wife Sarah (Samantha Morton). When the mine shuts down, the family is forced to save money by selling the pet to the Duke of Rudling (Peter O'Toole), whose granddaughter Priscilla (Hester Odgers) has taken a shine to her. But Lassie knows she's a coal-town girl at heart, and she is more than determined to return to the boy who loves her. Sturridge took his cast and crew to Dublin and the Isle of Man Noun 1. Isle of Man - one of the British Isles in the Irish Sea Man British Isles - Great Britain and Ireland and adjacent islands in the north Atlantic for a meticulous re-creation The cast is first-rate, from 9-year-old newcomer Jonathan Mason as Joe to the veteran O'Toole. Some will enjoy ``Lassie'' for the adventure, including a dip in the legendary Loch Ness, while others will embrace its time-tested sentimental story. But there's no mistaking the star power of that collie. Those who simply want to see animals behave in amazing ways will be rewarded by the lead dog (yes, it's a male again) and the other animal actors. Bonuses on the DVD include a slide show of the animals' auditions and ``Animal Planet at the Movies: On the Set of `Lassie,' '' which reveals some of the techniques trainers used to coax those animals into their stunts and tricks. Valerie Kuklenski, (818) 713-3750 valerie.kuklenski(at)dailynews.com LASSIE (PG: some mild violence, language) Starring: Peter O'Toole, Samantha Morton, John Lynch and Jonathan Mason. Running time: 1 hr. 39 min. Release date: Tuesday on DVD. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: In the DVD release of the 2006 feature ``Lassie,'' 9-year-old film newcomer Jonathan Mason plays a coal miner's son forced to give up his dog after the family falls on hard times. The film centers on Lassie's efforts to return to her former master. |
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