Celebrate the 70th Anniversary ‘The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin’ (Photos)
Suppose you’re a boomer and/or a fan of dog shows. In that case, you probably remember the 1954 series The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, following a beloved German Shepard and his owner Rusty (Lee Aaker), an orphaned boy being raised by soldiers (James Brown and Joe Sawyer). But did you realize that before the series, there was a real Rin Tin Tin? The pup was born in France in 1918 and was rescued by a U.S. Army soldier, Lee Duncan, during World War I.
Duncan took Rin Tin Tin home and realized that he was very easily trained. He took him to Hollywood and Rin Tin Tin made his film debut in the 1923 movie Where the North Begins. In the 1920s he starred in several silent films and captured the hearts of his audience. While Rin Tin Tin sadly passed away in 1932, allegedly in the arms of Jean Harlow, his legacy only grew with a radio show and later a television show. The show featured a fictionalized version of the pup although an offspring of the real Rin Tin Tin chipped in once in a while.
Everett Collection
Rin Tin Tin inspired countless other dogs in film in television and became a symbol of loyalty and bravery, showcasing the special bond between humans and dogs. The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin ran from October 1954 until May 1959 on ABC. Sadly, all of the main cast members of the show have since passed away. In honor of Rin Tin Tin, enjoy some special photos from behind the scenes of the series.
When Dogs Ruled TV
Lassie, Tommy Rettig, Rin Tin Tin and Lee Aaker on the TV GUIDE cover, July 2-8, 1955.
Ready Set, Action!
No Horsing Around
Roy Roger’s Horse Trigger enjoys a meal with Rin Tin Tin.
Rin Tin Tin, takes family portrait with offspring, Rinty V, for Father’s Day.
Dean Fredericks and Rin Tin Tin, ‘The Last Chance,’ (Season 2, Episode 15, aired Dec 16, 1955), 1954-59.
James Brown, Paul Birch, in the role of President Ulysses S. Grant, 1954-59.
Lee Aaker, Rin Tin Tin and James Brown join Barbara Whiting at a Hollywood children’s benefit show in 1958.
Lane Bradford, James Brown, Rand Brooks and Lee Aaker.
Anna Marie Nanesi (aka Ahna Capri), Rin Tin Tin, played ‘Hubert’s Niece’, in season 3.
Lee Aaker on set with Rin Tin Tin.
Director Robert Walker, Lee Aaker and Rin Tin Tin go over lines on set.
Classic TV Shows of the ’50s & ’60s
September 2020
Test your knowledge, from Bonanza and Gunsmoke to I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek and more fun TV of the 1950s and 1960s.
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