Joe Camp probably had no idea this family film about an independent mutt turning neighborhood hero was going to touch off such a reaction at the box-office. "Benji" doesn't have the earmarks of an ambitious movie, nor did its initial publicity suggest it was going to be anything more than a matinée flash-in-the-pan, but positive word-of-mouth amongst kids was incredibly high, and "Benji" became the fifth highest grossing film of 1974 (no small feat; it's just behind "The Godfather Part II"). Although the slim plot pilfers heavily from Disney's "That Darn Cat!", the canine star Higgins (from TV's "Petticoat Junction") is an amazing find: his expressions and reactions are priceless, and the film's narrative--Benji's escapades, his human friends, his romance with a little white pooch--proved to be immediate and bracing with the target audience. Charlie Rich's song "I Feel Love" was Oscar-nominated (!), underlining the doggy romance with uplifting sentiment, the kind that makes a crowd-pleaser. Followed in 1977 by "For the Love of Benji"; but, with a different, look-alike dog and a hoked-up story, the sequel didn't crossover to older children. **1/2 from ****
51 Reviews
The dog star of the 70s
jotix10026 March 2006
Every decade, or so it seems, Hollywood likes to build films around a cute dog. The early seventies was the era for "Benji", whose real name was Higgins, an attractive and photogenic dog that had already had a recurring role in "Petticoat Junction", the successful sitcom of the sixties. Edgar Buchanan, one of the stars from that show is on hand to act with an old pal again.
Joe Camp, the director and screen writer, targeted this film toward a young audience of children under ten. Higgins and his trainer, Frank Inn, do wonders for the film. "Benji" shows a dog that has a natural intelligence and responds well to whatever it was asked to do. The film will delight young children.
Some other faces in the movie are Frances Bavier, Deborah Walley, Patsy Garrett and others. Although the movie is predictable, let's not forget it was targeted for a young audience that will probably appreciate it more than the grown ups.
Joe Camp, the director and screen writer, targeted this film toward a young audience of children under ten. Higgins and his trainer, Frank Inn, do wonders for the film. "Benji" shows a dog that has a natural intelligence and responds well to whatever it was asked to do. The film will delight young children.
Some other faces in the movie are Frances Bavier, Deborah Walley, Patsy Garrett and others. Although the movie is predictable, let's not forget it was targeted for a young audience that will probably appreciate it more than the grown ups.
One of the last hurrahs for family flix....
tmpj10 May 2010
Not a bad flick...I regret that I saw sequels before having seen the original. Benji is a lovable character who hustles everyone in the neighborhood with charm and charisma. Two kids , children of a doctor, want to give him a home there with them, but the doctor has all kinds of phobias against canines and will not hear of it. Benji finds a girlfriend ( no kidding) and shares food and his secret hide-away--a deserted house--with his new acquaintance...until fate steps in and dictates the direction of the action. The kids are victims of a plot and Benji--and his girlfriend--come to the rescue using what measures they can muster. It's really cute, though it gets a little ugly when the bad guys appear...and there seems to be an un-explained flashback of sorts that Benji has regarding an incident with firearms. This, to my thinking, should have been developed a little better to convey to the audience that this was a motivating factor for Benji's actions...and why. But, one can suspend sensibilities if a dog is intelligent enough to convince you that he knows what is going on and has the best interest of people at heart , and that applies in this instance. Besides, since he was a homeless dog, there may have been myriad instances that were unpleasant remembrances...still it is nice when the writers and the directors let us in on what happening by way of full disclosure. But, it's a nice flick, the kids will love it, and adults will too. It's early seventies so that pacing of the film is not quite as frantic as it would become some seven or eight years down the road. See the movie.
Still one of the finest family films ever made
SJBear19 December 1998
I first saw "Benji" when I was eight years old; during its original release, and after nearly 25 years it is still one of the finest, independently-produced family films ever made. Told entirely from the eyes of a dog, it mixes humor, suspense, and heart-tugging emotion. The dog, Benji, is still one of the finest animal actors ever to appear on screen. He conveys emotion, like no other animal on film ever had before, or has since. Although this is mainly a film for families to enjoy, it would surprise me if any adult couldn't be moved by its sentiment.
One adorable dog
bkoganbing19 July 2020
I'm not about to write a bad review of a film that started a small franchise for
producer Joe Camp. What kind of grinch could you be not to like this adorable
dog and the two kids, Cynthia Smith and Allen Fiuzat, who want to adopt tis
ragamffin dog who comes around every morning looking for sscraps?
The kids and maid Patricia Garrett want to adopt him, but father Doctor Peter Breck is concerned about bringing in strays and what they might carry.
Benji's no Rin Tin Tin, but he's smart and resourceful as a wuartet of kidnappers find out.
Benji even got an Oscar nomintion for best song for Benji's Theme.
Benji marked he farewell performances of both Edgar Buchanan and Frances Bavier. The film spawned a bunch of successors.
You ave to be a grinch not to like this movie.
The kids and maid Patricia Garrett want to adopt him, but father Doctor Peter Breck is concerned about bringing in strays and what they might carry.
Benji's no Rin Tin Tin, but he's smart and resourceful as a wuartet of kidnappers find out.
Benji even got an Oscar nomintion for best song for Benji's Theme.
Benji marked he farewell performances of both Edgar Buchanan and Frances Bavier. The film spawned a bunch of successors.
You ave to be a grinch not to like this movie.
What breed of dog was Tiffany, Benji's girlfriend?
govdigges16 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
If Wayne Malin is correct, I have to be either a little kid or a dog lover. Busted! I plead guilty to both counts. I loved the movie, even the slow-motion idyllic relationship-building of Benji and Tiffany. But the theme-song nominated for Best Song at Oscars? That's pretty incredible. Did I think it reasonable that the inept kidnappers took the children to the very (abandoned)house Benji lived in -- no, but give me a break, it's a children's movie! And a charming one at that! Kid's are not always that discriminating.
I missed the movie all those years, finally seeing it on TV. I've been trying to identify the breed of our little dog that was dumped in front of a neighbor's house last year. She looks a lot like Tiffany, Benji's girl-friend. Does anyone know what breed she was? I'm devastated to learn that Frank Inn, the trainer, died four years ago. Wonderful job, Frank! Thank you for a charming, heart-warming story!
I missed the movie all those years, finally seeing it on TV. I've been trying to identify the breed of our little dog that was dumped in front of a neighbor's house last year. She looks a lot like Tiffany, Benji's girl-friend. Does anyone know what breed she was? I'm devastated to learn that Frank Inn, the trainer, died four years ago. Wonderful job, Frank! Thank you for a charming, heart-warming story!
Real Good Classic Dog Flick
thehappychuckler5 March 2020
There are a ton of dog movies out there. Some are good and some are bad. Thing is whenever I see one I seem to always think of this 70s classic. Recently I revisited it for the first time in probably 30 years and I really did enjoy it. If you have any younger kids who love animals or dogs in particular you might have some real fans of this film.
It is really the story of Benji a stray dog who had two kids (Allen Fiuzat and Cynthia Smith) want him as their pet, but their father (Peter Breck) will not see to that happening. The two children are kidnapped, but Benji is on the case to try and alert the humans.
Even if you love dogs give this classic a shot as a smile should be on your face while watching it. One thing though is this film just screams the 70s, so unfortunately it can't be seen as a very modern look at things, but if you digest that you can have some fun with this film. Country legend Charlie Rich belts out the main song to the movie. Also starring Frances Bavier who has a white cat Benji loves to chase.
This box office smash lead to five sequels and a reboot in 2018.
It is really the story of Benji a stray dog who had two kids (Allen Fiuzat and Cynthia Smith) want him as their pet, but their father (Peter Breck) will not see to that happening. The two children are kidnapped, but Benji is on the case to try and alert the humans.
Even if you love dogs give this classic a shot as a smile should be on your face while watching it. One thing though is this film just screams the 70s, so unfortunately it can't be seen as a very modern look at things, but if you digest that you can have some fun with this film. Country legend Charlie Rich belts out the main song to the movie. Also starring Frances Bavier who has a white cat Benji loves to chase.
This box office smash lead to five sequels and a reboot in 2018.
BENJI is Bad
JasparLamarCrabb28 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The dog can act...unfortunately nobody else in the cast of this silly and oddly plotted children's film can. A stray yet very clever dog insinuates himself into the lives of two motherless children, much to the chagrin of their bitter and cold-hearted father. In what can only be described as Dickensian, the evil widower forbids his children --- who may or may not be mentally challenged --- from playing with Benji. Neither the children nor Benji obeys. Soon the children are kidnapped and Benji has to help the police find them. It's only then that the old man realizes that Benji is good, not bad.
Tom Lester, whose only previous acting experience appears to have been playing the dim-witted Eb on GREEN ACRES plays one of the kidnappers. So does the regrettably over-utilized Deborah Walley. Walley's previous screen triumphs include BEACH BLANKET BINGO and the woeful IT'S A BIKINI WORLD. She also played both Gidget and Tammy in the past and here attempts to obliterate her good-girl reputation by playing it bad!
STAY away from BENJI...he's a dog and this movie is a dog!
Tom Lester, whose only previous acting experience appears to have been playing the dim-witted Eb on GREEN ACRES plays one of the kidnappers. So does the regrettably over-utilized Deborah Walley. Walley's previous screen triumphs include BEACH BLANKET BINGO and the woeful IT'S A BIKINI WORLD. She also played both Gidget and Tammy in the past and here attempts to obliterate her good-girl reputation by playing it bad!
STAY away from BENJI...he's a dog and this movie is a dog!
You cannot imagine how moving this movie is
SurpriseIIIIIIIme28 December 2006
Full marks to Joe Camp for making such a beautiful film!.... Its all too easy for the dog lovers to absolutely fall in love with the movie, and Benji.....but this movie will always have the ability to change people from dog haters to dog lovers .... Benji is absolutely fabulous in this rendition of a street dog who has a certain way of living with with the people in the city.
What changes things is the kidnapping of Benji's human friends. But what is beautiful about the movie is that without using the crutches of special effects (read - talking animals), the expressiveness of Benji in various stages of the movie with just the barking to help is fabulous..... he falls in love (with another beauty of a pooch)...questions using his eyes, flaps his ear to express doubt, rolls on the grass to impress Tiffany (the pooch!)... the works!!! ...
Benji impresses!... and how...!... It doesn't take too much to know that the acting abilities of the humans in the movie aren't too much to talk about. But maybe that just enhances Benji's talent....
You would fall in love with BEnji and have tears flowing down your cheeks when they do the close-up on his sad eyes....
Yes, I am a dog lover.... but Benji .. he is the love of my life!
What changes things is the kidnapping of Benji's human friends. But what is beautiful about the movie is that without using the crutches of special effects (read - talking animals), the expressiveness of Benji in various stages of the movie with just the barking to help is fabulous..... he falls in love (with another beauty of a pooch)...questions using his eyes, flaps his ear to express doubt, rolls on the grass to impress Tiffany (the pooch!)... the works!!! ...
Benji impresses!... and how...!... It doesn't take too much to know that the acting abilities of the humans in the movie aren't too much to talk about. But maybe that just enhances Benji's talent....
You would fall in love with BEnji and have tears flowing down your cheeks when they do the close-up on his sad eyes....
Yes, I am a dog lover.... but Benji .. he is the love of my life!
Cute genius stray mutt's tale of 2 houses and becoming a hero.
estherwalker-347106 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Benji is quite charismatic and seemingly as smart as the people. Perhaps not too surprising, as he had been a TV actor for some years.
This film was incredibly cheap to make, at only half a million $s, having earned 100X that upon it's initial release! However, I believe it could have used some more investment to make it better stand the test of time.
My main criticism is that there is far too much repetition. How many times did we see Benji go through his daily routine of leaving his abandoned house abode to visit the Chapmans, for some breakfast? Then, off he ran to pass through the yard with the cat lady, causing her cat to flee up a tree. Next, off to visit the dependable patrolman for a head scratch and maybe a snack. Then, on to geriatric Bill, dozing in front of his cafe, for a bone, followed by a gaunt to the park bench to rest up and investigate the contents of the open trash bin. Then, on back to his abandoned house, to play with his bone. How many times did we see Benji run a marathon through fields and/or city streets? In short, we could have used more variety in the adventures of Benji!
Presumably, this was supposed to be aimed at an audience of mostly kids, and their parent. However, several reviewers said their kid was soon bored. Did these families have a dog at home or a neighbor's dog to play with? Many people, like me, like at least some dogs, but are unable to keep one or unwilling to put up with caring for one. Perhaps this film means more to them than to those who own a dog or have frequent access to one?
For a while, the film looks like it's going to turn into a version of "Lady and the Tramp", except that his female companion evidently is also a homeless tramp. Although Benji is polite to her, even offering his bone, clearly he is the leader, and she merely a passive follower. In that sense, the film may be considered anti-feminist.
A few other comments: I thought the best human actor was the lady who played Mary: the governess/ housekeeper of the Chapmans........Also, I don't understand why Linda, who was one of the kidnappers, was in a room talking to a bunch of men, who were discussing what to do about the kidnapping and ransom demand?? Benji's stealing of the first, discarded, ransom note, Linda's acquiring and hiding of it, and Benji's again stealing it, led to the supposition that Linda was in on the crime, and the realization that Benji wanted to lead them to the others and the victims. This set the stage for the happy finale.
This film was incredibly cheap to make, at only half a million $s, having earned 100X that upon it's initial release! However, I believe it could have used some more investment to make it better stand the test of time.
My main criticism is that there is far too much repetition. How many times did we see Benji go through his daily routine of leaving his abandoned house abode to visit the Chapmans, for some breakfast? Then, off he ran to pass through the yard with the cat lady, causing her cat to flee up a tree. Next, off to visit the dependable patrolman for a head scratch and maybe a snack. Then, on to geriatric Bill, dozing in front of his cafe, for a bone, followed by a gaunt to the park bench to rest up and investigate the contents of the open trash bin. Then, on back to his abandoned house, to play with his bone. How many times did we see Benji run a marathon through fields and/or city streets? In short, we could have used more variety in the adventures of Benji!
Presumably, this was supposed to be aimed at an audience of mostly kids, and their parent. However, several reviewers said their kid was soon bored. Did these families have a dog at home or a neighbor's dog to play with? Many people, like me, like at least some dogs, but are unable to keep one or unwilling to put up with caring for one. Perhaps this film means more to them than to those who own a dog or have frequent access to one?
For a while, the film looks like it's going to turn into a version of "Lady and the Tramp", except that his female companion evidently is also a homeless tramp. Although Benji is polite to her, even offering his bone, clearly he is the leader, and she merely a passive follower. In that sense, the film may be considered anti-feminist.
A few other comments: I thought the best human actor was the lady who played Mary: the governess/ housekeeper of the Chapmans........Also, I don't understand why Linda, who was one of the kidnappers, was in a room talking to a bunch of men, who were discussing what to do about the kidnapping and ransom demand?? Benji's stealing of the first, discarded, ransom note, Linda's acquiring and hiding of it, and Benji's again stealing it, led to the supposition that Linda was in on the crime, and the realization that Benji wanted to lead them to the others and the victims. This set the stage for the happy finale.
Benji (The Movie) Bites Big-Time
ccthemovieman-15 July 2007
You know the movie could have been a lot better when the animal - in this case, a little dog - is the best actor on the screen! The acting in this film is so bad, so amateurish, by dog got embarrassed watching this. He ("Rusty," our Golden Retreiver) could have done a better job than the people in here.
By now this is almost a trite story: kid finds animal, pet is not liked nor wanted by one of the parents but the "pet" winds up saving one the kids and is now a hero and an official member of the family. Sound familiar?
I remember this movie being a big hit, but never got around to seeing it until the mid '90s on VHS. I was shocked how bad it was. Why so much fuss over a film? Was it because there was so much sleaze in the early '70s that a nice family film stood out in the crowd? Possibly. There wasn't a whole lot of wholesome entertainment in the decade of the '70s plus a lot of people are suckers for cute little animal stories. Who could resist this cute little dog? Not me. But the movie I can resist: it's a Grade B storyline with horrible acting.
Recommended only for small-dog animal lovers and I mean "lovers" because even the average pet owner will fall asleep trying to watch this film in this day-and-age.
By now this is almost a trite story: kid finds animal, pet is not liked nor wanted by one of the parents but the "pet" winds up saving one the kids and is now a hero and an official member of the family. Sound familiar?
I remember this movie being a big hit, but never got around to seeing it until the mid '90s on VHS. I was shocked how bad it was. Why so much fuss over a film? Was it because there was so much sleaze in the early '70s that a nice family film stood out in the crowd? Possibly. There wasn't a whole lot of wholesome entertainment in the decade of the '70s plus a lot of people are suckers for cute little animal stories. Who could resist this cute little dog? Not me. But the movie I can resist: it's a Grade B storyline with horrible acting.
Recommended only for small-dog animal lovers and I mean "lovers" because even the average pet owner will fall asleep trying to watch this film in this day-and-age.
A movie for all ages.
kmacph28 December 2004
I saw this movie for the first time when I was about six years old. I loved it the first time I saw it and I still love it today. My three kids received it for Christmas and they love it as well (they're 7, 4 and 3). It's a movie about two kids, brother and sister, who feed and play with Benji. His origins are unknown and he has no permanent home. He has several friends whom he visits daily and as such has a routine with which he see's them. Bill, the man who owns the café, pays Benji with a dog bone everyday he comes by because when he comes by that let's Bill know that it's time to get the café ready for the lunch rush. The kids want to keep Benji (and his new found girlfriend, Tiffany) but their father won't hear of it. Then the kids get kidnapped and it's up to Benji to help save them. I won't say anymore as I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it. I give this movie a 10 out of 10. I could watch it over and over again and never get tired of it.
It's a Dog's World.
anaconda-4065819 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Benji (1974): Dir: Joe Camp / Cast: Patsy Garrett, Peter Breck, Deborah Walley, Frances Bavier, Tom Lester: Joe Camp's delightful family film explores the wonders of a scruffy dog who encounters a host of friendly people. Among them are an elderly diner owner who feeds him leftover scraps. He encounters a police officer who speaks of his upcoming wedding and even gives Benji advice. When he arrives at one particular back porch he is greeted by two children and their nanny who states that their father would disapprove of them owning a stray dog. Central plot regards the kidnapping of Benji's young friends and his frantic pursuit to find help. Structure is repetitious but the deserted mansion takes an ominous appeal. Skillfully directed by Joe Camp who demonstrates a point of view from the dog itself. Patsy Garrett holds her own as the nanny whose advice is genuine and will heed Benji in crucial time. Peter Breck as the father of the children does little more than go to work and disapprove of a dog. The criminals are also wooden and one wonders why they would risk kidnapping the children to begin with. They prove early that they're not too swift. Deborah Walley as the lone female of the group sympathizes with the children and will be the weak point for Benji. Perhaps too intense for young children the film showcases the intelligence of one little dog. Score: 6 ½ / 10
Pretty dreadful--but kids might like it
preppy-315 February 2006
This adorable dog (called various names during the film) is seemingly loved by the whole town...but he's alone. He is friends with two children (Cindy and Paul played astonishingly bad) but their father won't let them have a dog. Then Benji meets Tiffany--ANOTHER adorable dog. They (instantly) fall in love and it leads to a hysterical montage of the two of them frolicking in the grass, drinking from a fountain...in slow motion no less! Also Benji lives in the cleanest abandoned house I've ever seen. Then the two kids are kidnapped by the most inept, unfunniest kidnappers I've ever seen and--wouldn't you know it--they hide the brats in the exact house Benji lives in!
WOW was this bad! A huge hit (for some reason) in 1974 which led to many sequels (which I will NOT see). The film is just terribly acted with "humor" so unfunny and badly done that you just stare at the TV in amazement. The film also has a song that is played NONSTOP during the movie--so much that you want to scream. It was inexplicably nominated for Best Song at the Oscars--it didn't win. Yeah--the dogs are adorable and much better than the human actors--but I need more than cute dogs to keep me interested.
You might think I'm being a little hard on a kids film but I saw it with my 5 year old nephew. Within 20 minutes he was bored silly and basically stopped watching. I kept watching in hope that it would get better--it didn't. Really lousy--but VERY patient kids or dog lovers might like it.
Note to parents: It's G rated but a dog is viciously kicked a few times. You don't see it--you just hear it and the dog survives but this might bother real young kids.
WOW was this bad! A huge hit (for some reason) in 1974 which led to many sequels (which I will NOT see). The film is just terribly acted with "humor" so unfunny and badly done that you just stare at the TV in amazement. The film also has a song that is played NONSTOP during the movie--so much that you want to scream. It was inexplicably nominated for Best Song at the Oscars--it didn't win. Yeah--the dogs are adorable and much better than the human actors--but I need more than cute dogs to keep me interested.
You might think I'm being a little hard on a kids film but I saw it with my 5 year old nephew. Within 20 minutes he was bored silly and basically stopped watching. I kept watching in hope that it would get better--it didn't. Really lousy--but VERY patient kids or dog lovers might like it.
Note to parents: It's G rated but a dog is viciously kicked a few times. You don't see it--you just hear it and the dog survives but this might bother real young kids.
Warm family film
thomandybish5 March 2001
They certainly don't make 'em anymore like BENJI. This sweet little film certainly deserves to be remembered for several reasons, not the least of which is Benji himself, one of the most talented animal actors ever to romp across the screen. Benji, a stray, delights in his freedom and loves to roam the town every day, chasing the cat of an elderly lady(Frances Bavier), visiting with an elderly shopkeeper(the actor that played Uncle Joe on GREEN ACRES), and visiting the home of two children who, with the help of their housekeeper(Patsy Garrett), feed him every day. Benji even finds love in Tiffany, a tiny white female terrier. Things take a serious turn when some dishonest crooks take the children hostage for a ransom and hid out in Benji's house! The sequence in which Benji frantically tries to get help for his friends is harrowing, especially when he bravely enters the children's house and is throw out by the housekeeper. But Benji saves the day.
Unlike some recent so-called children's films that offer mixed messages or questionable content, BENJI tows the line. There's a positive vibe in this movie, one that is almost extinct in current movies. And another note: several familiar faces from classic TV are here: Aunt Bea from THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Uncle Joe from PETTICOAT JUNCTION, and Zeke from GREEN ACRES as one of the kidnappers! Definitely worth adding to your home library, especially if you have kids.
Unlike some recent so-called children's films that offer mixed messages or questionable content, BENJI tows the line. There's a positive vibe in this movie, one that is almost extinct in current movies. And another note: several familiar faces from classic TV are here: Aunt Bea from THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Uncle Joe from PETTICOAT JUNCTION, and Zeke from GREEN ACRES as one of the kidnappers! Definitely worth adding to your home library, especially if you have kids.
It's a dogs life when a furry friend knows he's loved.
mark.waltz4 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The sweet as homemade pie Patsy Garrett is equally as much of a scene stealer as Benji is, bringing this sweet pup into the home where she works as a cook and housekeeper every morning to groom and feed him, much to the pleasure of the two kids she also takes care of after school. Their widowed father (Peter Breck) isn't crazy about dogs, and would have a fit if he discovers Benji there. But Benji is a born hero, coming to the kid's rescue when they are kidnapped.
While the main storyline isn't really all that believable (and the bad guys truly incompetent), it's a touching story about animal love, and Garrett (who would go onto great fame as the commercial "chow chow lady") obviously has her heart filled with love for our furry friends. Dogs don't have to be purebreds to be heroes, and Benji is the greatest canine film star since Lassie. Frances Bavier is humorous as the cat lady who admonishes one day for chasing it and ignoring it the next. There's also an award winning movie theme that's obviously a love song to dogs.
While the main storyline isn't really all that believable (and the bad guys truly incompetent), it's a touching story about animal love, and Garrett (who would go onto great fame as the commercial "chow chow lady") obviously has her heart filled with love for our furry friends. Dogs don't have to be purebreds to be heroes, and Benji is the greatest canine film star since Lassie. Frances Bavier is humorous as the cat lady who admonishes one day for chasing it and ignoring it the next. There's also an award winning movie theme that's obviously a love song to dogs.
Best Viewed Under Sedation
aimless-4616 April 2006
If you are like me and observed the original "Benji" phenomenon from afar, finally seeing the movie for the first time 30+ years later, you may be shocked to discover how truly awful it is, and more mystified than ever about its popularity back in 1974.
My judgment is not entirely objective as I tend to have a favorable bias toward children's films and for that reason cut them considerable slack. On the other hand I have always hated this particular dog, a feature on the last couple seasons of "Petticoat Junction". Never a great show, the dog-less early episodes were at least a nice showcase of beautiful actresses and the introduction of the dog cut into their screen time.
Benji is an 86-minute mega-dose of the dog, following him on several daily circuits through the town of McKinney, Texas. If this sounds boring you would be advised to give "Benji" a wide birth and to never let your remote control fall into the hands of a "Benji" fan (if there are still any out there).
Unlike "My Dog Skip", "Monkey Business" or "Because of Winn-Dixie" the human actors in the cast are extremely weak. "Big Valley's" Peter Breck plays the standard stern father and just seems to embarrassed at the idea of appearing in something this lame.
If one of your children (of any age) appears to be finding "Benji" entertaining you should consider cutting back on their medication.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
My judgment is not entirely objective as I tend to have a favorable bias toward children's films and for that reason cut them considerable slack. On the other hand I have always hated this particular dog, a feature on the last couple seasons of "Petticoat Junction". Never a great show, the dog-less early episodes were at least a nice showcase of beautiful actresses and the introduction of the dog cut into their screen time.
Benji is an 86-minute mega-dose of the dog, following him on several daily circuits through the town of McKinney, Texas. If this sounds boring you would be advised to give "Benji" a wide birth and to never let your remote control fall into the hands of a "Benji" fan (if there are still any out there).
Unlike "My Dog Skip", "Monkey Business" or "Because of Winn-Dixie" the human actors in the cast are extremely weak. "Big Valley's" Peter Breck plays the standard stern father and just seems to embarrassed at the idea of appearing in something this lame.
If one of your children (of any age) appears to be finding "Benji" entertaining you should consider cutting back on their medication.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
If Dogs Made Films
BrandtSponseller9 July 2006
Although I did initially see Benji as a kid in 1974, I want to talk about some interesting facets of the film for adults instead.
Just a brief comment on showing the film to kids, though. It's probably going to be more of a gamble at this point in time for kids to watch Benji. There's a chance that older kids will be bored by the pacing, content, and general lack of humor. They'll probably hate the music, too. For younger kids (say, maybe 8 or younger), there's a better chance that they'll be entertained merely by seeing cute dogs do unusual things and also that they'll identify with the two child stars, who are about their age. But during the climax of the film, there is some more intense material (at least the ideas involved--the actual images are relatively tame) that may disturb some children.
I think that Benji is probably a safer gamble for adults at this point in time, but you have to approach it in a particular way, not necessarily approaching it either nostalgically or as a kid's film. Viewing Benji at this point in time, it played as a dog's film, told from a dog's perspective. While this is not the only film to tell a story from an animal's perspective, producer/writer/director Joe Camp does something unusual in that he plays things mostly seriously and realistically. There is a bit of tongue in cheek-ness to the whole affair--and one section that is a very funny outright spoof of late 1960s/early 1970s romance films, and the events are idealized slightly in a way that we might imagine a dog to idealize them, but overall, Benji is played straight, not for laughs or melodrama.
That fact is the cause of some unusual structural properties. Dogs' lives tend to be far more routine than humans' lives. Benji, as extraordinary as his life happens to be, is no exception. He's a stray who has a long daily routine that involves visiting various friendly people to obtain food. So the first half hour of the film sees Benji, from his perspective with a few third person omniscient intrusions, cycle through his daily routine two times.
On the third run-through, things begin to get more dramatic as his routine is broken up slightly--both in a positive way when he finds a girlfriend by the way of a Maltese and in a negative way when some shady characters intrude into his otherwise abandoned home. Although I agree that an interesting, entertaining film could have been made out of just showing Benji go through his routine, that would have been relatively avant-garde, and Camp maybe decided that his dog-perspective film was unusual enough already, so the principal story turns out to be these intrusions which set up more classical dramatic conflicts.
And Camp did a fine job of designing the film in the way he did. The climax works as well as it does only because he has taken us through Benji's lengthy daily routine a couple times. The climax and the build-up to the climax hinge on Benji hurriedly traveling his circuitous daily route a couple more times, and what pushes the events over the edge to success is that Benji has to strain to think more like a human.
I wouldn't have picked up on any of these things seeing the film as a preteen in 1974. But they are there, and for adults, this is an entertaining film as much for its unusualness as for any other reason--you just have to watch it with this in mind. This is what films might be like if dogs made them. And if you decide to show Benji to your children and explain these unusual qualities to them, you might just find it a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
Just a brief comment on showing the film to kids, though. It's probably going to be more of a gamble at this point in time for kids to watch Benji. There's a chance that older kids will be bored by the pacing, content, and general lack of humor. They'll probably hate the music, too. For younger kids (say, maybe 8 or younger), there's a better chance that they'll be entertained merely by seeing cute dogs do unusual things and also that they'll identify with the two child stars, who are about their age. But during the climax of the film, there is some more intense material (at least the ideas involved--the actual images are relatively tame) that may disturb some children.
I think that Benji is probably a safer gamble for adults at this point in time, but you have to approach it in a particular way, not necessarily approaching it either nostalgically or as a kid's film. Viewing Benji at this point in time, it played as a dog's film, told from a dog's perspective. While this is not the only film to tell a story from an animal's perspective, producer/writer/director Joe Camp does something unusual in that he plays things mostly seriously and realistically. There is a bit of tongue in cheek-ness to the whole affair--and one section that is a very funny outright spoof of late 1960s/early 1970s romance films, and the events are idealized slightly in a way that we might imagine a dog to idealize them, but overall, Benji is played straight, not for laughs or melodrama.
That fact is the cause of some unusual structural properties. Dogs' lives tend to be far more routine than humans' lives. Benji, as extraordinary as his life happens to be, is no exception. He's a stray who has a long daily routine that involves visiting various friendly people to obtain food. So the first half hour of the film sees Benji, from his perspective with a few third person omniscient intrusions, cycle through his daily routine two times.
On the third run-through, things begin to get more dramatic as his routine is broken up slightly--both in a positive way when he finds a girlfriend by the way of a Maltese and in a negative way when some shady characters intrude into his otherwise abandoned home. Although I agree that an interesting, entertaining film could have been made out of just showing Benji go through his routine, that would have been relatively avant-garde, and Camp maybe decided that his dog-perspective film was unusual enough already, so the principal story turns out to be these intrusions which set up more classical dramatic conflicts.
And Camp did a fine job of designing the film in the way he did. The climax works as well as it does only because he has taken us through Benji's lengthy daily routine a couple times. The climax and the build-up to the climax hinge on Benji hurriedly traveling his circuitous daily route a couple more times, and what pushes the events over the edge to success is that Benji has to strain to think more like a human.
I wouldn't have picked up on any of these things seeing the film as a preteen in 1974. But they are there, and for adults, this is an entertaining film as much for its unusualness as for any other reason--you just have to watch it with this in mind. This is what films might be like if dogs made them. And if you decide to show Benji to your children and explain these unusual qualities to them, you might just find it a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
Beloved canine hero
gcd7025 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Beloved tale of hero "Benji" ("Higgins" the dog) who is many different things to many different people. In his busy day "Benji" grabs breakfast at the house of two young children, has a chat with an officer of the law, chases an old lady's cat and reminds an aging café owner to start on the day's special. Helper to some, amusement to others, he is companion to all.
Trouble arises when his young friends are kidnapped and taken to the abandoned mansion that he calls home. From here on we know only "Benji" can save the day.
Plot is routine from writer/producer/director Joe Camp, and he does tend to over do the slow motion effects. Audiences though will find it hard to resist the lovable little pooch, and kids of all ages are sure to adore him. Cast were never going to be anything but background to "Benji".
Not what you'd call inspired, but fun family fare. Academy Award nominee for "Benji's" theme, "I Feel Love".
Saturday, July 13, 1996 - Video
Trouble arises when his young friends are kidnapped and taken to the abandoned mansion that he calls home. From here on we know only "Benji" can save the day.
Plot is routine from writer/producer/director Joe Camp, and he does tend to over do the slow motion effects. Audiences though will find it hard to resist the lovable little pooch, and kids of all ages are sure to adore him. Cast were never going to be anything but background to "Benji".
Not what you'd call inspired, but fun family fare. Academy Award nominee for "Benji's" theme, "I Feel Love".
Saturday, July 13, 1996 - Video
An adorable mutt who made his name as one of the iconic canine film stars.
Hey_Sweden11 March 2018
The title character is a stray mixed breed who makes his home in a run down old house outside a small Texas town. He regularly makes trips into town, and is proven to be pretty popular. Among his human friends are a cop (Terry Carter), a cafe owner (Edgar Buchanan), and the Chapman kids (Cynthia Smith, Allen Fiuzat). Their loving but strict father (Peter Breck) won't let them take the dog in, as he has something of a prejudice against stray dogs. But little Benji endears himself to everybody when he works overtime (and I do mean overtime) to thwart the criminal gang (Mark Slade, Christopher Connelly, Tom Lester, Deborah Walley) who end up kidnapping the kids.
This now legendary film can take its place as one of the all time great family films, with not much in it that could be seen as objectionable or traumatizing for the younger ones. A gun is pulled out, indicating some high stakes, but nobody ever gets shot. And the kids aren't treated all THAT badly by their kidnappers.
You don't necessarily have to be a dog lover to be charmed by Benji, who's one of the most impressive canine actors one is ever likely to see. On occasion, the film does get perhaps too precious and manipulative, especially during montage sequences. One centers around Benjis' courtship of his new girlfriend, another mix who gets named Tiffany by the Chapman family maid (Patsy Garrett). The human cast (also including Frances "Aunt Bea" Bavier, in her final film) is all quite good, but our title character truly is the heart and soul of the piece.
Made on location in Texas, this benefits from good local flavor and atmosphere by writer / producer / director Joe Camp, who created for himself a beloved franchise that has stood the test of time, with a Netflix reboot planned for this year.
Looking back on it now, it's hard to believe that Camp was obliged to create his own distribution company since apparently no studio in Hollywood wanted to touch the script! Shows you how much they know.
Nine out of 10.
This now legendary film can take its place as one of the all time great family films, with not much in it that could be seen as objectionable or traumatizing for the younger ones. A gun is pulled out, indicating some high stakes, but nobody ever gets shot. And the kids aren't treated all THAT badly by their kidnappers.
You don't necessarily have to be a dog lover to be charmed by Benji, who's one of the most impressive canine actors one is ever likely to see. On occasion, the film does get perhaps too precious and manipulative, especially during montage sequences. One centers around Benjis' courtship of his new girlfriend, another mix who gets named Tiffany by the Chapman family maid (Patsy Garrett). The human cast (also including Frances "Aunt Bea" Bavier, in her final film) is all quite good, but our title character truly is the heart and soul of the piece.
Made on location in Texas, this benefits from good local flavor and atmosphere by writer / producer / director Joe Camp, who created for himself a beloved franchise that has stood the test of time, with a Netflix reboot planned for this year.
Looking back on it now, it's hard to believe that Camp was obliged to create his own distribution company since apparently no studio in Hollywood wanted to touch the script! Shows you how much they know.
Nine out of 10.
2 separate movies--one great, one awful
stinky_pumpkin6 May 2006
"Benji" plays as two separate movies. The first hour is some of the highest quality family entertainment imaginable. The opening scene is made to look the opening of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." It's a hilarious parody as we see this little dog being liberated into a human world. We follow Benji through his daily routine and it's delightful, often hilarious. Sure, some of the human actors are a tad nauseating, but the canines take control and that's all that matters. Benji and his girlfriend Tiffnay have a very sweet relationship, very reminiscent of "Lady and the Tramp." But when that first hour is over, so is the fun. Suddenly, a new movie starts--a ridiculous heist film. "The French Connection" on four legs? I don't think so.
Some fun trivia
SanDiego21 December 2003
Benji's real name was Higgins and got his start as a regular cast member of sixties TV sitcom Petticoat Junction. Though he was retired shortly after the end of Petticoat Junction, Higgins later came out of retirement to launch a career in movies as Benji, starring in the first two films of the series (his offspring have carried on the legacy in subsequent films). Frank Inn was his trainer throughout his lifetime and began as an assistant trainer for Lassie.
Arf! Arf! Benji Is Strictly For The Fire Hydrant
strong-122-4788851 February 2015
You know, I never thought that I would ever say this about any dog-star - But - The truth is, when it came to the likes of Benji, I hated this particular canine celebrity, big-time. I really did.
Yes. Had Benji actually shown some honest-to-goodness talent as a well-trained animal, then, of course, I would've gladly forgiven him his generally unappealing screen-presence.
But, not only did Benji give me the creeps just to look at him, but, he was virtually a talentless schlep, as well. Yep. Benji was one dud-of-a-mutt on all counts.
On top of my not taking a liking to Benji, at all, I also thought that this Comedy/Drama, in general, stank like pure doggy do-do. It was an utterly horrible example of movie-making that only a very young and simple-minded child could find entertaining.
All-in-all - This "dumbest-of-the-dumbest" movies made my skin crawl with revulsion and it bored me to tears from beginning to end. I can't believe that this stupid movie made this stupid mutt a star - But it did!
Arf! Arf!
Yes. Had Benji actually shown some honest-to-goodness talent as a well-trained animal, then, of course, I would've gladly forgiven him his generally unappealing screen-presence.
But, not only did Benji give me the creeps just to look at him, but, he was virtually a talentless schlep, as well. Yep. Benji was one dud-of-a-mutt on all counts.
On top of my not taking a liking to Benji, at all, I also thought that this Comedy/Drama, in general, stank like pure doggy do-do. It was an utterly horrible example of movie-making that only a very young and simple-minded child could find entertaining.
All-in-all - This "dumbest-of-the-dumbest" movies made my skin crawl with revulsion and it bored me to tears from beginning to end. I can't believe that this stupid movie made this stupid mutt a star - But it did!
Arf! Arf!
The Best Dog Movie Ever Made -- Comparable to Buster Keaton's "The General"
CatherineYronwode14 October 2006
In looking over previously posted reviews, it is obvious to me that people either love this film or hate it. I happen to love it. I consider it to be not only the best dog movie ever made, but also among my 10 most favourite movies of all time (yes, including Casablanca, The Thin Man, Gun Crazy, Chinatown, etc.).
What makes this movie so wonderful is Higgins, the dog (under the direction of his trainer, Frank Inn). Higgins was so far beyond other dog actors that it is impossible to explain to folks who don't own dogs or train dogs. Not only is he cute and photogenic, expressive and believable, he did all his own stunts -- and he was 14 years old when he made this film!!!
Folks who review this movie tend to mention the kid actors, or the creaky kidnapping plot -- but, you know, that's not the point. If you wanted to look at it that way, you could also mention the wonderful interactions between Higgins and Edgar Buchanan, an actor he had worked with for many years on the TV series "Petticoat Junction." Those scenes have a delightful sense of improvisation and charm that easily offset the whiny kid scenes. But the movie is not really about those kidnapped kids at all. It is about a small dog, his daily routines, and how, when those routines are broken, he must rise above his simple life and accomplish a great deed.
In a way, the film that "Benji" most closely resembles is Buster Keaton's magnificent silent classic, "The General." The slow, repetitious set-up of Keaton with his train and Higgins with his rounds about town, the focused realism, the slightly down-at-the-heels outsiderness of the hero, the hint of love about to blossom if only the hero can provide for his beloved, the insistently lengthy attention paid to the immediacy of ultra-mundane cause and effect -- these are the same in both films. The openings have a documentary quality to them -- until, without warning, all hell breaks loose and the plot comes crashing in. Keaton's train is stolen! Kidnappers come to Benji's home! Then, in both films, we see an under-dog, so to speak, rise to the challenge of events and, working with only the slenderest of means and very little advance planning, counter one villainous turn after another, all the while attempting to right the wrongs that have been committed.
The manner in which the heroes devise solutions to the problems they face, both in "The General" and in "Benji," flow logically from the daily routines we saw them perform in the documentary-like first halves of the films, so they seem believable. We gain confidence alongside the heroes, see the sense in what they are doing, cheer for them to triumph, watch them rise to the verge of success -- and then a huge blow falls, a colossal set-back occurs, and we feel despair -- they'll never make it now, too much time and too much ground have been lost! But again, they apply themselves to the task, and now we hope against hope that they will be able to pull it off in time ... except that most people watching The General experience jaw-dropping amazement at the stunts and most people watching Benji really have no idea how great Higgins' stunt-work really is, and spend the last third of the movie in tears because Benji is such a small dog, and he's so dang CUTE, and ... awwww.
I've watched "The General" at least 10 times and never cried once. I've watched "Benji" 10 times and cried every time. I cried just know, merely writing about it. But "Benji" is not just a cute dog movie, any more than "The General" is just a Buster Keaton comedy. Like the best of Keaton's work, it is a heroic movie, and a love story, and a story of physical action and bravery. I just love this movie, that's all.
What makes this movie so wonderful is Higgins, the dog (under the direction of his trainer, Frank Inn). Higgins was so far beyond other dog actors that it is impossible to explain to folks who don't own dogs or train dogs. Not only is he cute and photogenic, expressive and believable, he did all his own stunts -- and he was 14 years old when he made this film!!!
Folks who review this movie tend to mention the kid actors, or the creaky kidnapping plot -- but, you know, that's not the point. If you wanted to look at it that way, you could also mention the wonderful interactions between Higgins and Edgar Buchanan, an actor he had worked with for many years on the TV series "Petticoat Junction." Those scenes have a delightful sense of improvisation and charm that easily offset the whiny kid scenes. But the movie is not really about those kidnapped kids at all. It is about a small dog, his daily routines, and how, when those routines are broken, he must rise above his simple life and accomplish a great deed.
In a way, the film that "Benji" most closely resembles is Buster Keaton's magnificent silent classic, "The General." The slow, repetitious set-up of Keaton with his train and Higgins with his rounds about town, the focused realism, the slightly down-at-the-heels outsiderness of the hero, the hint of love about to blossom if only the hero can provide for his beloved, the insistently lengthy attention paid to the immediacy of ultra-mundane cause and effect -- these are the same in both films. The openings have a documentary quality to them -- until, without warning, all hell breaks loose and the plot comes crashing in. Keaton's train is stolen! Kidnappers come to Benji's home! Then, in both films, we see an under-dog, so to speak, rise to the challenge of events and, working with only the slenderest of means and very little advance planning, counter one villainous turn after another, all the while attempting to right the wrongs that have been committed.
The manner in which the heroes devise solutions to the problems they face, both in "The General" and in "Benji," flow logically from the daily routines we saw them perform in the documentary-like first halves of the films, so they seem believable. We gain confidence alongside the heroes, see the sense in what they are doing, cheer for them to triumph, watch them rise to the verge of success -- and then a huge blow falls, a colossal set-back occurs, and we feel despair -- they'll never make it now, too much time and too much ground have been lost! But again, they apply themselves to the task, and now we hope against hope that they will be able to pull it off in time ... except that most people watching The General experience jaw-dropping amazement at the stunts and most people watching Benji really have no idea how great Higgins' stunt-work really is, and spend the last third of the movie in tears because Benji is such a small dog, and he's so dang CUTE, and ... awwww.
I've watched "The General" at least 10 times and never cried once. I've watched "Benji" 10 times and cried every time. I cried just know, merely writing about it. But "Benji" is not just a cute dog movie, any more than "The General" is just a Buster Keaton comedy. Like the best of Keaton's work, it is a heroic movie, and a love story, and a story of physical action and bravery. I just love this movie, that's all.
too slow at times but good for little kids and animal lovers
SnoopyStyle30 July 2015
Benji is a stray who made a series of friends in the neighborhood. Little kids Paul and Cindy and their housekeeper Mary feeds him as they hide him from the dad. He chases a neighbor's cat. He befriends various locals including a cop, Bill the cafe owner and another stray dog. He finds four villains in an abandoned house. The kids' dad won't allow them to keep the dogs. The villains kidnap Paul and Cindy. Benji tries to help but he's dismissed. He has to keep trying.
The movie is extremely slow at times. It's a low budget affair. It is good for little kids and animal lovers. It's really cute at first but it gets a bit repetitive. I also don't care for the song mainly because it keeps playing over and over again. The movie has limited choice since it has fill the silence without dialog. It would be more compelling to cut back on some of the early introduction. It meanders like Benji roaming the neighborhood. The movie picks up after the kidnapping and it becomes a nice thriller. It's Lassie with a tiny dog.
The movie is extremely slow at times. It's a low budget affair. It is good for little kids and animal lovers. It's really cute at first but it gets a bit repetitive. I also don't care for the song mainly because it keeps playing over and over again. The movie has limited choice since it has fill the silence without dialog. It would be more compelling to cut back on some of the early introduction. It meanders like Benji roaming the neighborhood. The movie picks up after the kidnapping and it becomes a nice thriller. It's Lassie with a tiny dog.
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