Courage of Lassie (1946)

58% of users liked it
(1,627 ratings)

This is the one where Lassie plays a war veteran with amnesia. Actually Lassie isn't even Lassie, but a male collie named Bill (at least he isn't asked to appear "in drag" like all the other cinematic Lassies). Raised from a pup by adolescent Elizabeth Taylor, the doggy hero becomes a sheep collie… More This is the one where Lassie plays a war veteran with amnesia. Actually Lassie isn't even Lassie, but a male collie named Bill (at least he isn't asked to appear "in drag" like all the other cinematic Lassies). Raised from a pup by adolescent Elizabeth Taylor, the doggy hero becomes a sheep collie on rancher Frank Morgan's spread. Lassie--er, Bill--loses his memory when hit by a car. Later on, the dog finds himself in the K-9 corps, where he is trained to kill Japs (Lassie a racist? No, no, not that!) The dog returns home shell-shocked and ready to tear apart anyone who crosses his path. But the love of Elizabeth Taylor conquers all in the lachrymose Technicolor finale. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Fred M. Wilcox, Fred Wilcox
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Classics

In Theaters: Jul 24, 1946 Wide
On DVD: Aug 24, 2004

Critic Reviews

, New York Times
The principal human actors are excellent in their simple roles.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
It takes all the kindness Kathie can muster to rehabilitate the canine veteran.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

America's favourite collie plays the beloved canine whose adventures range from his wilderness puppyhood to wartime service to postwar stress to a moving family reunion is wonderful heroism and heartfelt story as I'm a collie dog lover that I ever had in my life. Elizabeth… More
America's favourite collie plays the beloved canine whose adventures range from his wilderness puppyhood to wartime service to postwar stress to a moving family reunion is wonderful heroism and heartfelt story as I'm a collie dog lover that I ever had in my life. Elizabeth Taylor appeared in this second <i>Lassie</i> movie since 1943's <i>Lassie Come Home</i> who plays as Bill's (Lassie) master. And I took tears at the end what I see Taylor and Lassie finally reunited altogether happily. That scene reminded me of 1943 Lassie film - what a fantastic memories. I see Taylor's greatest fame came later, as a young woman, most people forget what a skillful child actress she was. Less burdened than at any later time by her beauty and fame, she is at her least self-conscious in these early performances. Untouched, she reveals in these animal stories her natural flair for tears and hugs - the paraphernalia of an emotional female.

Cast

            Elizabeth Taylor as Kathie Merrick

            Frank Morgan as Harry McBain

            Tom Drake as Sergeant Smitty

            Selena Royle as Mrs. Merrick

            Harry Davenport as Judge Payson

            George Cleveland as Old Man

            Catherine McLeod as Alice Merrick

            Morris Ankrum as Farmer Crews

            Mitchell Lewis as Gil Elson

            Jane Green as Mrs. Ellison

            David Holt as Peter Merrick

            Minor Watson as Sheriff Ed Grayson

            Donald Curtis as Charlie

            Clancy Cooper as Casey

            Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer as First Youth

            Conrad Binyon as Second Youth

            Windy Cook as Youth

            Douglas Cowan as Sgt. Lewis

            James Flavin as Lt. Arnold

            Byron Foulger as Dr. Coleman

            Lassie the Dog as Bill

            Robert E. O'Connor as Deputy

            William 'Bill' Phillips as Sgt. Tyler

            Addison Richards as Officer

            Arthur Space as Officer

            Charles Sullivan as Officer Instructor

            Arthur J. Walsh as Freddie Crews

            Bill Wallace as Sergeant Mac
See full cast