The canine character is back! In books, TV shows and films, Lassie has saved the day since the 1940s. Now the loyal collie must travel 500 miles to return to its owner Joe, who is played by Jonathan Mason, 9. In Lassie, which opens September 1, three collies play the part of the top dog. "I was scared of dogs before the film," Jonathan told TFK, "but these were really well behaved." Jonathan may just have found new best friends.