LASSIE UNLEASHED: 280 DOG YEARS IN TV + BONUS (ABC 12/29/94) VERY RARE!!! June Lockhart, Jon Provost, Tommy Rettig, Hugh Reilly, Joey D. Vieira, Henry Winkler, Dick Clark, Phyllis Diller, Dennis Franz, Charles Grodin, Dave Thomas, Barry Williams

This rare special from 1994 pays tribute to television canine star, Lassie, whose career spanned more than forty years in radio, movies and television. Her story is told through the use of archival clips, interviews with co-stars, and celebrity appearances.

Cast members June Lockhart, Jon Provost, Tommy Rettig, Hugh Reilly and Joey D. Vieira give insights on working on the series. Kermit the Frog makes a special appearance in the production, in addition to Dick Clark, Phyllis Diller, Dennis Franz, Charles Grodin, Dave Thomas, Barry Williams and the voice talent of Henry Winkler.

Bonus material includes two uncut episodes from “Lassie.”

“The Inheritance” (9/12/54) – In the first episode of the series, the reading of a neighbor’s will bequeaths Lassie to Jeff Miller (Tommy Rettig), but it takes a hired hand attempting to steal some hidden money to make Lassie and Jeff a team.

“Transition” (12/1/57) – In episode 115, Gramps unexpectedly dies as Timmy’s (Jon Provost) summer with the Millers is scheduled to end. After the service, Ellen (Jan Clayton) decides to move to the city and a childless couple, Ruth and Paul Martin (Cloris Leachman, Jon Shepodd) is found to take care of Timmy. The Martin’s not only adopt Timmy, but decide to take over the farm as well.  As Ellen and Jeff depart for their new life, Lassie decides to stay with Timmy and Jeff (Tommy Rettig) must say a final goodbye to his beloved childhood friend.

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Number of DVDs: 1

Quality: 9.5/10

Running Time: 1 hr 42 min (approx)

Aspect Ratio: Full Screen 1.33:1

NOTES: This is a fan-made DVD set. Not    a studio release.