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

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.

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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

[last lines]
Danny Garrison: [crying, as Michael Jackson sings "Ben's Song" in the score] You'll get well, Ben, and I'll get well. We'll get well, Ben.
[places Ben on a handkerchief]
Danny Garrison: We'll get well, Ben. No one's gonna hurt one of my friends. No, sir.
[gets out first aid kit, takes a cotton swab and gently rubs Ben's wound]
Danny Garrison: It's okay.
[Ben squeaks]
Danny Garrison: You're the only friend I have. I love you, Ben.
[Michael Jackson sings final verse of "Ben's Song" as credits roll]

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Connections

Referenced in Movie Nights: Strays (2016)

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Soundtracks

Start the Day
Lyrics by Don Black
Music by Walter Scharf
Sung by Lee Montgomery (uncredited) while playing with marionettes

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