Classic TV Themes: Lassie Thru the Years

When people think of 'Lassie', many flash back to the whistling theme that opened so many episodes of the classic series. But did you know that 'Lassie' actually had five different themes? And ran for nearly two decades? 'Lassie' began as a short story in the Saturday Evening 'Post'. A series of movies followed, and then the 1954 series that ran for 17 years on CBS and two more in syndication. Salvador Dali may have had four periods, but 'Lassie' had five:
• Jeff inherits Lassie (season one)
• Timmy takes over (season four)
• Forest Rangers (season 11)
• Lassie alone (season 17)
• Holden Farm (season 18)
00:00 Opening titles, season one. The first 'Lassie' theme, by William Lava, was borrowed from an RKO movie, 'Courageous Dr Christian'. It became known as 'Secret of the Silent Hills'.
00:32 End credits, season one.
00:56 Opening titles, season two. The show's music director, Raoul Kraushaar, had apparently claimed authorship of the season 1 theme, which may have irked Mr Lava. So Kraushaar composed this sound-alike, in the same key, with similar chord progressions and orchestrations. It's Lassie theme #2.
01:16 End titles, season two.
01:45 Opening titles, season four. 'Even Bravest Hearts May Swell' is an aria from the opera 'Faust' by Charles Gounod, here arranged for orchestra. It was introduced in season three and is Lassie Theme #3.
02:06 Opening titles, season four (revised). Note the new cast member.
02:27 End titles, season four.
02:57 Opening titles, season five. Finally the iconic 'whistle' theme, written by Les Baxter, known for his advocacy of 'exotica' and 'space-age pop' music, and for the many sci-fi and horror films he scored. 'Whistle' became known as 'Goodbye My Love' and is Lassie Theme #4.
03:19 End credits, season five.
03:51 Opening titles with sponsor plug.
04:14 End credits, season ten.
04:40 Opening titles, season 14. In season 11 Lassie was turned over to Forest Rangers; color filming began in season 12. 'Whistle, still going strong, wss given several different arrangements during this period.
05:07 Opening titles, season 15.
05:43 End credits, season 14. A special flourish is added thanking the Forest Service.
06:21 Opening title, season 17. This is the 'Lassie Alone' season, where she goes from one situation to another, at times with no humans in the story at all. There was no formal opening, just a superimposed title card. But you do get to hear Lassie Theme #5: 'Greensleeves'.
06:42 Opening titles, season 19. Lassie ended up on the Holden Ranch in season 18, and for the final season they reinstated a formal opening sequence as seen here.
07:35 End credits, season 19. A rhythmic rendition of 'Greensleeves' brings the saga of 'Lassie' to a close. At least until 'The New Lassie' shows up.
hat-tips: ‪@Gilmorebox‬ and ‪@lassiemom325‬ original posters of some items..
classicthemes: https://tinyurl.com/2p8a9f3s and lassieweb.org for research.