When I asked my Facebook friends for favorite TV dogs, several people answered Rin Tin Tin. My Momma and I have heard of this dog, and knew he was a handsome German Shepherd, but neither of us have seen the old TV show. So it was fun to learn more!
The TV series The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin was a children's series on ABC, and it aired from 1954 - 1959. It was the story of a little boy named Rusty who lived on a U.S. Calvary post called Fort Apache. (The series was filmed on the set of the John Ford movie Fort Apache.) Rusty had a special friend named Rin Tin Tin. He was initially played by a dog named Rin Tin Tin IV (a descendent of the movie star dog), and later by a German Shepherd named Flame, Jr.
Rin Tin Tin was later mentioned in the novel Sunnyside by Glen David Gold and Rin Tin Tin: The Life and Legend by Susan Orlean.
Anne Frank wrote in her diary that she wished she had a dog like Rin Tin Tin (June 14, 1942).
Like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin was popular in toys and books for children. A few examples include this comic book:
This Marx toys Fort Apache playset (note little Rin Tin Tin figure):
... and even a toy gun:
Here is a short video with the opening and closing credits for The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin:
Thank you for visiting today! I hope you enjoyed reading about Rin Tin Tin. Have you seen this TV show before?
Love,
Abby xoxoxo
