Ben (1972)

A lonely boy befriends Ben, the leader of a violent pack of killer rats.

Director:

Phil Karlson

Writers:

Stephen Gilbert (characters), Gilbert Ralston (as Gilbert A. Ralston)

Stars:

Lee Montgomery, Joseph Campanella, Arthur O'Connell

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lee Montgomery	...	Danny Garrison (as Lee Harcourt Montgomery)
Joseph Campanella	...	Cliff Kirtland
Arthur O'Connell	...	Billy Hatfield
Rosemary Murphy	...	Beth Garrison
Meredith Baxter	...	Eve Garrison
Kaz Garas	...	Joe Greer
Paul Carr	...	Kelly
Richard Van Vleet	...	Reade
Kenneth Tobey	...	Engineer
James Luisi	...	Ed
Lee Paul	...	Carey
Norman Alden	...	Policeman
Scott Garrett	...	Henry Gray
Arlen Stuart	...	Mrs. Gray
Ric Drasin	...	George (as Richard Drasin)

Storyline

A lonely boy named Danny Garrison befriends Ben, the rat leader of the swarm of rats trained by Willard Stiles. Ben becomes the boy's best friend, protecting him from bullying and keeping his spirits up in the face of a heart condition. However, things gradually take a downward turn as Ben's swarm becomes violent, resulting in several deaths.

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Plot Keywords:

electric train | exploitation film | loneliness | suspense | police lieutenant | 

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Taglines:

Teamed up to Tear 'em up! [poster for double-feature pairing "Willard" and "Ben"]

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Jackson's theme "Ben's Song", played during the final scene and end credits, was one of his favorite songs. It was written for the movie by lyricist Don Black and composer Walter Scharf. It was also the title track on Jackson's second solo album, released just before his 14th birthday, and became a #1 pop hit.

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Goofs

When Beth and Eve discuss their concern about David, the daughter turns her head towards her mom twice.

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Quotes

Danny Garrison: [singing while showing his Ben marionette to the real rat, Ben] Start the day, oh come along now, Ben. Come on out, before I count to ten. If you stay, you will miss all the fun and there's room for everyone.

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Connections

Referenced in The Simpsons: Stark Raving Dad (1991)

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Soundtracks

Ben's Song
Lyrics by Don Black
Music by Walter Scharf
Sung and played on piano and harmonica by Lee Montgomery (uncredited)
Sung by Michael Jackson during the final scene and end credits

User Reviews

Great!

Last time I saw this movie I was 10 years old, that is 35 years ago. I loved this movie and that is why I am ordering it. It was made in the 70's, so of course it isn't up to todays movie standards. Even though, I'm sure that kids will still love it. I can't believe what that wet-paint watcher said about it. It is a cult classic and the song "Ben" sung by Wacky Jacko at the end is great. I cried and probably will again. His/her comment isn't worth diddly squat. I still reckon it to be a great movie. I think people should judge the movie for themselves, taking into consideration that it is a 70's movie. That way you won't be expecting to see the kind of movie you would see in the cinema today. Nevertheless, this is a great movie for its time.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 June 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ben

Filming Locations:

Higgins-Verbeck-Hirsch Mansion - 637 South Lucerne Boulevard, Windsor Square, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$769,986

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bing Crosby Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1