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 Miller