Dream Seeker - Recap

Ron Holden and Dale Mitchell plan to enjoy two days together in a cottage at Pine Lake before returning to college. On the road, they pick up a boy hitch-hiking with a knapsack and sleeping bag. The boy calls himself Willy Smith. Willy tells a story about his life and his family. Dale suspects Willy is lying but remains silent.

Willy points out a house on the road and asks to be let off at what he pretends is his home. Once Willy is dropped off and the men have driven away, Willy runs into the woods. He builds a lean-to and relaxes on his sleeping bag. A doe ventures into his camp and watches.

Ron and Dale arrive at the cottage and unload the van. Lassie frolics with a curious squirrel. The men enter the cottage to build a fire and cook dinner. Somewhere far from the cottage, Willy curls up in his sleeping bag as night descends.

The next morning the men play with Lassie in the yard. The doe approaches and watches. Lassie follows the doe through the fields and forest. The doe leads Lassie to Willy's camp. Willy shares his breakfast with Lassie. The doe watches. Willy feeds the doe. Willy confesses to Lassie he did not tell the truth to Ron and Dale.

Ron and Dale have rented motorcycles in the village and ride through the forest. They pause at the lake then head off once again. They drop by Willy's phoney address to say hello. The homeowner tells the men there's no one named Willy living in the house. Ron and Dale are puzzled.

Ron and Dale explore the bike trails in the area. Lassie calls them to Willy's campsite. Willy sees the men approaching and hides behind a tree. Willy spies on the men as they investigate his camp. When Willy spots the opportunity, he steals Ron's cycle and speeds away.

Dale pursues the boy on his cycle. After a heart stopping race over rough terrain, Willy overturns the bike he's riding and Dale nabs him.

Back at the cottage, Willy tells Ron and Dale he's lied about his life. He says he's fled an orphanage and doesn't want to be sent back. Dale was an inmate in an orphanage at one time and understands how lonely life can be in such a place. Ron and Dale invite Willy to live on the Holden Ranch and promise to help with the red tape and paperwork.

Willy accepts the invitation readily and is excited about having a family -- and about being with Lassie.

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