The Unbelievable Story Behind Lassie's Multi-Million Dollar Success

In an unexpected turn of events, a dog named Lassie became the center of one of the most surprising business deals in Hollywood history. Back in 1951, MGM Studios produced the highly successful movie "Lassie Come Home," which raked in substantial profits. Despite the movie's success, MGM decided to halt any further productions involving Lassie, leaving a significant financial obligation unsettled.

MGM owed $40,000 to the dog that played Lassie, which is approximately $500,000 in today's money. Instead of paying the substantial sum, MGM executives chose to negotiate a different deal with Lassie's owner, Rod Weatherwax. They offered Weatherwax the full rights to the Lassie trademark in lieu of the payment. Recognizing Lassie's immense potential, Weatherwax accepted the offer, even though it meant forfeiting a considerable amount of money.

This decision turned out to be one of MGM's biggest blunders. Rod Weatherwax and his rough collie partner took the Lassie trademark and transformed it into one of the most iconic and successful TV shows of the era. The show, also named "Lassie," became a cultural phenomenon, airing for a staggering 571 episodes and generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue—surpassing even popular modern series like "Family Guy."

Discover the full story and the incredible impact of this remarkable deal by watching the video.