Lad: A Dog (1962)
A timeless family drama about a young girl, a faithful collie, and the bonds that shape a childhood.
Lad: A Dog - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1962
- Directed by: Leslie H. Martinson, Aram Avakian
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 2, 1962 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Vanguard Productions (I)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Lad: A Dog - Plot
Remember when your favorite face in the world had a wet nose? Eight-year-old Angela Clure is just discovering the special bond that comes with a special canine friend. And through the joy, tragedy and triumph to come, she'll learn a lot about growing up too.
Lad: A Dog - Trailer
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Lad: A Dog - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Leslie H. Martinson
- Aram Avakian
Main Cast
- Peter Breck
- Peggy McCay
- Carroll O'Connor
- Angela Cartwright
- Maurice Dallimore
- Alice Pearce
- Harry Holcombe
- Charles Fredericks
- Jack Daly
- Lillian Buyeff
Writers
- Roberta Hodes
- Lillie Hayward
Producers
- Max Rosenberg
Lad: A Dog - FAQs
What is Lad: A Dog about?
Lad: A Dog follows eight-year-old Angela as she forms a deep, life-changing bond with a special collie. Through joy, heartbreak, and triumph, the film captures the unique magic of a child's first true friendship with a dog — and everything growing up alongside one can teach you.
Is Lad: A Dog based on a true story?
Lad: A Dog is based on the beloved short stories by Albert Payson Terhune, first published in the early 20th century. Terhune drew from his real-life experiences with his own collies at Sunnybank Farm in New Jersey, giving the stories an authentic, deeply personal foundation.
Who are the main actors in Lad: A Dog?
The cast features Peter Breck and Peggy McCay as the Tremayne parents, with Angela Cartwright charming as young Angela. Carroll O'Connor — long before his All in the Family fame — plays the memorable Hamilcar Q. Glure, and Alice Pearce rounds out the ensemble with her trademark comic flair.
Who directed Lad: A Dog?
Lad: A Dog was co-directed by Leslie H. Martinson and Aram Avakian. Martinson was a prolific television and film director known for family-friendly productions, while Avakian brought a thoughtful sensibility to the project — a pairing that gave the film its warm, gentle tone.
What movies are similar to Lad: A Dog?
If Lad: A Dog won your heart, you'll likely enjoy Lassie Come Home (1943), Where the Red Fern Grows (1974), A Dog's Purpose (2017), and A Dog's Way Home (2019). The Fox and the Hound (1981) also captures that same bittersweet bond between a child and a beloved animal companion.
Is Lad: A Dog suitable for children?
Lad: A Dog is rated NR (Not Rated), as it predates the modern ratings system. The film is a gentle family drama with no objectionable content — it's very much in the spirit of classic wholesome family entertainment from the early 1960s, making it a fine watch for kids of all ages.
When was Lad: A Dog released?
Lad: A Dog opened in the United States on June 2, 1962. It arrived during a golden era of family animal films, sharing the screen with beloved classics of the genre and finding a warm audience among families who had grown up reading Albert Payson Terhune's original collie stories.
What is the collie's role in Lad: A Dog?
The collie, Lad, is the true heart of the film. Far more than a pet, Lad is Angela's protector, confidant, and companion through her most formative moments. The dog's loyalty and intelligence drive the story's emotional core, making Lad one of cinema's most endearing four-legged heroes.
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