York City and broke a box-office record, grossing $40,673.75 on its opening day. It was released in New York on August 2 and nationwide on August 18. It opened in Los Angeles on December 8, 1978. Novelization A paperback novelization of the film was written by Robert Weverka and published by Bantam Books to coincide with the film's release. References External links 1978 films 1970s English-language films 1970s musical drama films Films set in the 1970s American musical drama films Films directed by Don Chaffey Lassie films Musicals by the Sherman Brothers Films about dogs Films about orphans Films set in California Films set in Colorado Films shot in California Films shot in Utah Films shot in Nevada 1978 soundtrack albums 1979 soundtrack albums Pickwick Records soundtracks Films scored by Irwin Kostal Musical film soundtracks Drama film soundtracks 1978 drama films 1970s American films