The original Rin Tin Tin died 80 years ago. The German Shepard, found in a French litter during World War I, became a silent-movie star in the U.S. and was beloved throughout the world. He would be survived by generations of relations who would be featured in films, radio and television (where he once bit the butt of Adolf Hitler) into the second half of the 20th century. No animal save Lassie has been as popular. There is a long-standing rumor that Rinty received the most votes in the first Academy Awards competition. His pawprint is preserved with one of the stars at Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
TOM TIEDE