JillibeanForever

Lassie and Leave It To Beaver were my favorite television shows of the 1950's and 1960's. Both in black and white but I actually preferred them that way, for black and white has its own loveliness and artistry. All the actors were excellent including the dogs that played Lassie. Whole families could watch these shows together and never see or hear anything objectionable. Compared to what passes for television today, in color, they were still superior on every creative front.

I happened upon this film by chance by surfing through a classic movie channel on my ROKU. Right away the acting of the principal actors wowed me. The cinematography and music soundtrack were nice, too. There seemed to be one small part of the film that was missing, for instance a police car was chasing the two escaped jailbirds and the little girl Savannah and then suddenly the print cut to them all having fun together in a safe place. Where did that police car go? LOL Anyway, I can recommend this film for anyone who likes to see a rather fractured family learn how important their little girl was who had been neglected at home until she chose to run away and the jailbirds found her and started to care for her. Meanwhile, the political family was finally distracted from other issues to look for their missing daughter. Especially the Dad of Savannah learned an important lesson, that he should show love to his daughter and not neglect her because of his political ambitions. See if you can find this interesting film streaming. I think you will really enjoy it. :)

I remember watching this sweet family series starring Hope Lange (whom I saw in person on Broadway) and debonair Edward Mulhare (whom I had loved in Gidget Grows Up with Karen Valentine) as a child after I had seen the original b/w film with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. Both are totally wonderful to watch again and again. Rita Shaw and Charles Nelson Reilly were perfect casting as well, plus the two child actors and the cute pup. How I wish they would make wholesome family shows like this one (and others like Nanny and the Professor) again, or at least restore the originals and play them streaming on demand. Even the opening credit scenes were delightful as well as that unforgettable opening music. I remember I was also thrilled to see child actor Mark Lester appear in an episode as a guest star. He played Oliver in the 1968 musical film hit and I had a huge crush on him. :) I am so glad I grew up when I did, when so many television shows could be watched together as a family, and we did not have to worry about objectionable scenes popping up.