Benji (1974)

A stray dog saves two kidnapped children.

Director:

Joe Camp

Writer:

Joe Camp

Stars:

Patsy Garrett, Allen Fiuzat, Peter Breck

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Patsy Garrett	...	Mary
Allen Fiuzat	...	Paul
Cynthia Smith	...	Cindy
Peter Breck	...	Dr. Chapman
Frances Bavier	...	Lady with the Cat
Terry Carter	...	Officer Tuttle
Edgar Buchanan	...	Bill
Tom Lester	...	Riley
Christopher Connelly	...	Henry
Deborah Walley	...	Linda
Mark Slade	...	Mitch
Herb Vigran	...	Lt. Samuels
Larry Swartz	...	Floyd
J.D. Young	...	Second Policeman
Erwin Hearne	...	Mr. Harvey

Storyline

The first movie about the famous golden mutt. Benji is a stray who has nonetheless worked his way into the hearts of a number of the townspeople, who give him food and attention whenever he stops by. His particular favorites are a pair of children who feed and play with him against the wishes of their parents. When the children are kidnapped, however, the parents and the police are at a loss to find them. Only Benji can track them down, but will he be in time? If he can save the day, he may just find the permanent home he's been longing for.

---

Plot Keywords:

dog | kidnapping | dog actor | animal abuse | affection | 

---

Genres:

Adventure | Family | Romance

---

Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 October 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beniamino

Filming Locations:

Denton, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$39,552,600 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mulberry Square Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Higgins the Dog play the "dog" for the seven year run of Petticoat Junction. His last acting role was as the title character in the original movie _Benji (1974)_. His urn is inside the casket of his trainer, Frank Inn.

---

Goofs

When the white dog "Tiffany" comes to the abandoned house for the first time, as she is climbing into the house, you can see a crew member down below spotting her as she climbs onto a high rail.

---

Quotes

Mary: [to Benji] You have more independence than most people, and more charm.

---

Connections

Referenced in Barnaby and Me (1977)

---

Soundtracks

"Benji's Theme (I Feel Love)"
Music by Euel Box
Performed by Charlie Rich

User Reviews

Warm family film

They certainly don't make 'em anymore like BENJI. This sweet little film certainly deserves to be remembered for several reasons, not the least of which is Benji himself, one of the most talented animal actors ever to romp across the screen. Benji, a stray, delights in his freedom and loves to roam the town every day, chasing the cat of an elderly lady(Frances Bavier), visiting with an elderly shopkeeper(the actor that played Uncle Joe on GREEN ACRES), and visiting the home of two children who, with the help of their housekeeper(Patsy Garrett), feed him every day. Benji even finds love in Tiffany, a tiny white female terrier. Things take a serious turn when some dishonest crooks take the children hostage for a ransom and hid out in Benji's house! The sequence in which Benji frantically tries to get help for his friends is harrowing, especially when he bravely enters the children's house and is throw out by the housekeeper. But Benji saves the day.

Unlike some recent so-called children's films that offer mixed messages or questionable content, BENJI tows the line. There's a positive vibe in this movie, one that is almost extinct in current movies. And another note: several familiar faces from classic TV are here: Aunt Bea from THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Uncle Joe from PETTICOAT JUNCTION, and Zeke from GREEN ACRES as one of the kidnappers! Definitely worth adding to your home library, especially if you have kids.