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:

The head of the family is the one with the tail.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

When they dress up for Halloween, Beethoven also dresses as a horse, complete with a miniature saddle. Beethoven shares in many food treats, sometimes offered to him, sometimes stolen. During filming the dog would only take the food upon his trainers cue. Beethoven plays cupid for Ryce by taking a stick to a boy and bringing the boy back to Ryce. This was accomplished by the dog responding to his trainer's verbal and hand cues.

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Goofs

In real life, the weight of male St. Bernards would not average up to 185 pounds, especially not at 1 year old. According to the American Kennel Club, the average weight a male St. Bernard reaches is exactly 180 pounds. Also, at 1 year old, a male St. Bernard would only weigh around 150 pounds. However, as Beethoven is fed rather constantly, it is possible that he may just be 35 pounds overweight.

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Quotes

Alice Newton: I don't think words for parts of the body make very good names.
Emily Newton: He's got one of those, I looked.
Alice Newton: I'm sure he does but I don't think Daddy would want to stand on the porch at night yelling that out.
Emily Newton: But that's what you call Uncle Richard.

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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

Featured in Troldspejlet: Wayne's World (1993)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Great Family Film

If you love funny animal films, you will laugh till you cry at the antics of Beethoven and his human companions. The scene where the children are trying to find a name for the dog is cute and if you like classical music you will appreciate the humor behind how the name is finally derived. I was rather surprised to see Good Guy Dean Jones, star of many Disney films, in his portrayal of the dastardly and evil Vet. I almost did not recognize him with the thick "soda bottle-bottom" glasses, but as always Mr. Jones gave a stellar performance. X-Files star David Duchovney plays the part of a company representative who wants to try to take over the family's business, and only Beethoven sees him and his female partner for what they are and takes them on the ride of their lives (one of the funniest scenes of the film). I generally find sequels are not as good as the first, but in this case the humor of Beethoven's 2nd and Beethoven's 3rd hold true to first and are also worth viewing.

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

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1