The history of Lassie
Some stories just reverberate throughout history and become an integral part of one’s childhood. For millions of people of all generations, the story of Lassie the collie is just that. But where did it all begin, and how has it managed to keep its staying power for all this time?Lassie began as an idea in the head of author Eric Knight, an Englishman who served in the Canadian and American armies, and also worked as a newspaper reporter and film writer. Based on the collies Knight raised with his wife Jere Knight, Lassie first appeared in the 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home. The novel proved so popular that a film version was made in 1943, in which the male dog Pal played the female Lassiea gender-bending role that he would reprise in six more films and two television pilots.Notable actors have appeared in the films, including Elizabeth Taylor, Roddy McDowall, and, in a 2005 remake, Peter O’Toole. Lassie herself gained permanent recognition when she gained a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joining the prestigious ranks of both fictional characters like Bugs Bunny and animal actors like Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart. In 2005, Lassie was also the only animal star to appear on Variety‘s list of the “100 Icons of All Time.”Lassie even had a run as a reality-TV-star in 2007. No, the series didn’t chronicle the heavy weight of fame on the star’s headinstead, Lassie, elegant as ever, served as co-host with vet Jeff Werber as they “discussed” rising issues in the pet community. Other appearances include Japanese comic and animation appearances, in the series Lassie and Famous Dog Lassie, respectively.