In small-town Lawtonville, teenage Ted Donaldson (as Daniel "Danny" Mitchell) decides to run away from home, after a scolding from father John Litel (as Hugh). All is forgotten due to the lure of goulash cooked by mother Ann Doran (as Ethel). While out on a walk with his dog "Rusty", young Donaldson meets newly arrived Sharyn Moffett (as Penny Waters), from Carmel, California. The 13-year-old piano player is somewhat sheltered, but warms up to Donaldson and Rusty. Donaldson is surprised to learn that Ms. Moffett has not enrolled in the local school due to her disability. She is blind...
The Mitchell family urges Moffett to attend the regular school with her non-blind peers, but she is rejected for safety reasons. Donaldson suggests Moffett get a Seeing Eye dog. She is sent to the "Reed Foundation" to work with Paula Raymond and learn about Seeing Eye dogs. Everyone hopes Moffett will be able to participate in regular activities with a guide dog, but she has trouble bonding with "Tubby" the boxer. Rusty and Tubby help in the story's resolution. This is an above average entry in the "Rusty" series, with the film's message nicely presented for young viewers.
****** Rusty Leads the Way (7/22/48) Will Jason ~ Ted Donaldson, Sharyn Moffett, Paula Raymond, John Litel
The Mitchell family urges Moffett to attend the regular school with her non-blind peers, but she is rejected for safety reasons. Donaldson suggests Moffett get a Seeing Eye dog. She is sent to the "Reed Foundation" to work with Paula Raymond and learn about Seeing Eye dogs. Everyone hopes Moffett will be able to participate in regular activities with a guide dog, but she has trouble bonding with "Tubby" the boxer. Rusty and Tubby help in the story's resolution. This is an above average entry in the "Rusty" series, with the film's message nicely presented for young viewers.
****** Rusty Leads the Way (7/22/48) Will Jason ~ Ted Donaldson, Sharyn Moffett, Paula Raymond, John Litel