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.

---

Plot Keywords:

electric train | rat | death | heart condition | death of pet rat | 

---

Taglines:

For the Summer of '72

---

Genres:

Horror | Thriller

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 June 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ben, la rata asesina

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bing Crosby Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the on-screen opening credits "introduce" child actor Lee Montgomery, he had previously appeared sixth-billed in the Disney film The Million Dollar Duck (1971) and a handful of episodes for various television shows.

---

Goofs

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

---

Quotes

Danny Garrison: [singing while playing with a clown marionette] Start the day, you've been asleep too long. Start the day and sing a happy song. Smile, smile at everyone you meet and dance your way down each street. Oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oom pa pa. Oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oompa oom oom oom oom pa. Start the day, it's time to rise and shine. Off we go, the world is looking fine. Get dressed up, put on your Sunday best. Tomorrow you all can rest.

---

Connections

Referenced in Whose Line Is It Anyway?: Show No. 610 (2003)

---

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.