Review of Lassie Come Home

From Eric Knight's book about a beautiful Collie in England, a family dog dedicated to the little boy who loves her, who is unfortunately sold to a kennel-owner out of Scotland. Majority of the picture involves Lassie's treacherous journey home, meeting stray people and a sweet elderly couple along the way. Popular movie for the whole family is occasionally cloying and manipulative--and the dog's agitated whining left me uneasy--however the Oscar-nominated cinematography by Leonard Smith is gorgeous to behold, and the film unfolds like a lovely storybook remembered from childhood. The early-morning, dream-like surreality of several sequences raises goosebumps (aided by the marvelous score from Daniele Amfitheatrof), though the dog isn't always directed well, and some of the adult actors go over the top with their performances. Youngsters Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor are both appealing, and the conclusion is topped with a cute, if corny, final touch. **1/2 from ****