mark.waltz There are conflicts in reviews I've read of this in my earlier research of the film. Some people refer to this as a "Lassie" film which happens to star Jeanette MacDonald, while others refer to it as just the opposite. For MacDonald to go from her long teaming with Nelson Eddy to the queen of canine movie stars might have seemed literally like going to the dogs, but the results of the film prove otherwise. Jeanette and Lassie definitely share the responsibility for making this one of the most delightful family films, written by the author of "The Yearling", and featuring its star, Claude Jarman Jr. in a most sensitive performance that is a joy to behold.MacDonald is a widowed opera star who is returning to the concert scene when tragedy strikes her once again. She moves to the country, reluctantly taking along Lassie, yet initially shunning any contact with the locales, especially the children. But the local store owner's handy boy (Jarman) makes a quick impression on her (literally helping save Lassie from a rattle snake), and her closed heart begins to re-open. MacDonald begins to come back to life and is considering another concert tour when she comes to terms with the needs that are really important for her and for the people she's come to love.The gorgeous color photography makes this an absolute joy to look at, filled with country sides and sunsets and rolling meadows in the hills. Percy Kilbride gives an amusing performance as the country store owner (William Goode-the e is not silent), with Margaret Hamilton and Ida Moore as two local women who are experts with snuff, and Lloyd Nolan as the owner of the house MacDonald rents who comes in late to the story and provides the moral of the story. Lewis Stone has a small role as one of MacDonald's advisers early in the film. She gets to sing a few songs (even an aria from "Madame Butterfly"), and for once, you can actually hear all the lyrics she is singing.It must have seemed a comedown for Jeanette (here in her last film) to possibly take second fiddle to a dog, but she manages to rise above that thought, still looking equally as gorgeous as she had ten years before. It is a shame that she didn't make any films after this, because she is far from being beyond her prime, and mixes both comedy and pathos with dignity and beauty.

wes-connors Jeannette MacDonald (as Helen Lorfield Winter) is an opera singer making a comeback, after three years of mourning for her deceased husband. She is devoted to her son, and he is devoted to his dog, Lassie. After a successful comeback concert, Ms. MacDonald's son is killed in a horrific accident; he is hit by a truck while running for Lassie. MacDonald is understandably devastated. Initially, she blames Lassie for contributing to her son's death, but MacDonald is able to forgive Lassie, and she comes to care for the dog as her son would have wished. Pained by the sound of children playing, MacDonald takes Lassie, and moves to the country, where she hopes to enjoy a life of solitude. Then, she and Lassie meet young Claude Jarman Jr. (as Jerry), from a neighboring orphanage… The sentimental storyline in "The Sun Comes Up" is most predictable; but, it hardly matters, as the film does what it does well. First of all, this (the fifth in the original series) is the best "Lassie" since the 1943 original. Richard Thorpe is an unexpected success, seamlessly directing a seemingly difficult mix of children, seasoned professionals, and Lassie. In her last feature film, Jeannette MacDonald could not have been more capable; certainly, she ends her movie career on a high note. Jarman Jr., of "The Yearling" is a well-chosen Lassie co-star. Lassie performs expertly. André Previn provides an appropriately swell score. The film ends with a well-done fiery rescue.When the film threatens to become too predictable, or sentimental, you can enjoy delightful supporting pros, like: Lewis Stone (an MGM classic), Percy Kilbride ("Pa Kettle"), and Margaret Hamilton (Oz' Wicked Witch). Tarzan's "boy" Johnny Sheffield appears (to have hanged up his loincloth). Other kids making impressions are: Dwayne Hickman ("Dobie Gillis") as "Hank", Teddy Infuhr (also from the "Ma and Pa Kettle" series) as "Junebug", and Michael McGuire (who'll possess the "Dark Shadows" cast in 1970) as "Cleaver". ******* The Sun Comes Up (1/27/49)) Richard Thorpe ~ Jeanette MacDonald, Claude Jarman Jr., Lloyd Nolan, Lassie

sentinel64-1 They just don't make them like this anymore. I really liked this old movie. A movie of love and loss and moving on. The setting is great a place in the mountains. Wonderful main characters and supporting characters that make up the quirky country folk. This movie tugs at your heart strings. Wonderful performances by Jeanette MacDonald, Percy Kilbride and Claude Jarman Jr, not to mention Lassie! I wish there were more wholesome films like this. These old movies stand on their own without digitalized effects and profanity so common to new Hollywood. Jeanette MacDonald had such a beautiful voice. Give me non-enhanced sentimental movies any day! Put on your pjs and grab the popcorn and Kleenex this is a great movie for a rainy day when you don't want over the top action.

Terrasa Ulm (tulm) I am often fond of the Turner Classic Movies even when they contain out-dated mores and occasional slights to my feminist sensibilities. This is typically because the story lines, the character development, or the acting is strong enough to compensate for a bit of backward thinking here and there. But this film manages to smash its thick, worthless message at you, over and over in every line, scene, and plot point. "Women should be at home caring for a child or they have no meaning in this world, and while you're at it, be sure to be a good home-grown, rural, backward idiot." I couldn't be bothered to stay for the last 15 minutes of this entirely predictable - from minute one - loathsome, uninspired, piece of garbage from a hopefully dead value system.