Beethoven (1992)

A slobbering St. Bernard becomes the center of attention for a loving family, but must contend with a dog-napping veterinarian and his henchmen.

Director:

Brian Levant

Writers:

John Hughes (as Edmond Dantès), Amy Holden Jones

Stars:

Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Grodin	...	George Newton
Bonnie Hunt	...	Alice Newton
Dean Jones	...	Dr. Varnick
Nicholle Tom	...	Ryce
Christopher Castile	...	Ted
Sarah Rose Karr	...	Emily
Oliver Platt	...	Harvey
Stanley Tucci	...	Vernon
David Duchovny	...	Brad
Patricia Heaton	...	Brie
Laurel Cronin	...	Devonia Peet
O-Lan Jones	...	Biker Woman
Nancy Fish	...	Miss Grundel
Craig Pinkard	...	Homeless Man
Robi Davidson	...	Mark

Storyline

The Newton family live in their comfortable home, but there seems to something missing. This "hole" is filled by a small puppy, who walks into their home and their lives. Beethoven, as he is named, grows into a giant of a dog... a St Bernard. Doctor Varnick, the local vet has a secret and horrible sideline, which requires lots of dogs for experiments. Beethoven is on the bad doctor's list.

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Plot Keywords:

dog | animal | family relationships | dysfunctional family | animal actor | 

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Taglines:

Go ahead...YOU tell him to "roll over".

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt also appeared together in Dave (1993) directed by Ivan Reitman, who produced this film and its sequel Beethoven's 2nd (1993). However unlike this film where Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are onscreen most of the time together they share no scenes together in the latter film.

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Goofs

When Alice places bacon on George's plate, she puts down two. Before Beethoven eats one, there are three. This is because the same footage of bacon being placed on a plate was used twice (which had two pieces).

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Quotes

Harvey: [has accidentally set off the pet shop burglar alarm] I've stepped in the beam.

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Crazy Credits

As the end credits finish, a short scene plays of Beethoven standing on a rock, silhouetted against a sunset. He barks as the credits end.

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Connections

Referenced in Universal Studios Theme Parks Adventure (2001)

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Soundtracks

Jimmy Olsen's Blues
Written by The Spindoctors
Performed by The Spindoctors

User Reviews

The Good & Bad Of 'Beethoven'

This was almost like an old-fashioned type of nice movie "the whole family will enjoy," as the stupid trailers used to always say. They aren't always right about that, but they are with this one.

BAD NEWS - The "bad news" was (a) the silly ending, (b) some silly-stupid scenes earlier in which what you saw could never really happen, and (c) the three kids were annoying and bossy at times.

GOOD NEWS - The "good news" is, of course, "Beethoven," the lovable Saint Bernard who is a lot of fun to watch, especially with all his facial expressions. Also, it's a very entertaining story and there is absolutely nothing offensive, language-wise, in here.

OVERALL - This was popular enough to spawn some sequels, none of which were close in caliber to this one. A good family film worth viewing, but mainly if you like big, lovable dogs.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 April 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beethoven

Filming Locations:

148 W Lime Ave, Monrovia, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,587,565, 5 April 1992

Gross USA:

$57,114,049

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$147,214,049

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Northern Lights Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1