Benji (1974 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benji |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Joe Camp |
| Produced by | Joe Camp |
| Written by | Joe Camp |
| Starring |
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| Music by | Euel Box |
| Cinematography | Don Reddy |
| Editing by | Leon Seith |
| Distributed by | Mulberry Square Releasing |
| Release date(s) | October 17, 1974 |
| Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $500,000 |
| Money made | $45 million |
Benji is a super popular family movie from 1974. It was written, produced, and directed by Joe Camp. This film is the very first in a series of five movies about a brave and lovable mixed-breed dog named Benji.
The movie was filmed in Texas, around the towns of McKinney and Denton. The story follows Benji, a friendly stray dog who is adored by many people in town. He especially loves two children, Cindy and Paul. They try to convince their dad, Dr. Chapman, to let Benji live with them. But Dr. Chapman doesn't want a dog. When the children are kidnapped by some bad guys, Benji tries his best to rescue them!
Benji was a huge success. It earned $45 million, even though it only cost $500,000 to make. The movie's theme song was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song. Interestingly, every big movie studio in Hollywood said no to this film. So, Joe Camp had to start his own company just to release it! This film was also the last movie for actors Frances Bavier and Edgar Buchanan before they stopped acting.
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Plot Summary
Benji is a stray dog who lives in an old, empty house. Every day, he visits his human friends in town. He really wants a home, and his favorite people are Paul and Cindy Chapman. Their housekeeper, Mary, gives him food. But she has to hide Benji from Dr. Chapman, the children's father, who doesn't like dogs.
One morning, Benji hides from Dr. Chapman. After the kids leave for school, Mary tells Benji that Dr. Chapman is a good man, but he's very stubborn about dogs. Benji continues his daily visits. He chases a cat and greets Officer Tuttle, who shares happy news about his engagement. At Bill's Café, Benji wakes Bill up and gets a tasty bone.
When Benji returns to his empty house, he finds three suspicious people: Linda, Henry, and Riley. They are breaking in! Henry and Riley are scared because people say the house is haunted. But Linda thinks it would be a good secret hideout for their boss, Mitch. Henry leaves a bag of groceries, and Benji enjoys an open pudding cup.
The next day, Paul and Cindy try to make Benji look nice, hoping their dad will let him stay. But Mary says Dr. Chapman won't change his mind. Later, Benji meets a pretty white dog in the park. He shares his bone with her. She follows him back to the Chapman house. Mary brushes her, gives her food, and names her Tiffany. Benji and Tiffany play together. But when they go back to Benji's house, Riley and Henry are there again. Riley notices the missing pudding cup and gets even more nervous about the "haunted" house.
The next morning, Dr. Chapman tells his sad children that Benji might carry diseases. He forbids them from keeping Benji as a pet. Meanwhile, Riley writes a note to get money from Dr. Chapman by threatening his children. Henry throws it away and writes a new one. Then, Mitch surprises everyone by actually kidnapping Paul and Cindy!
Benji races to the Chapman home to warn everyone. But Mary doesn't understand his barks and shoos him away. Benji then tries to steal the ransom note. He hopes the police will follow him to the kids. But he's stopped, and the note is taken from him. Benji feels lost. He follows Officer Tuttle into the police station but gets locked in. A policeman hears him barking and lets him out.
Benji goes back to the hideout. He grabs Riley's first ransom note. Mitch catches him, and Tiffany rushes out to bite Mitch. Mitch kicks Tiffany, hurting her leg. Benji runs home, where Linda is already there. She snatches the note from Benji and puts it in her purse. Benji barks and growls, and Mary scolds him. But Benji bites Mary and lunges at Linda, making the note fall out. Mary reads it and quickly takes it to Dr. Chapman. He demands to know where his children are, and Linda starts crying.
Benji then leads the police, the FBI, Dr. Chapman, and Mary back to the hideout. The kidnappers are worried because Linda hasn't returned. Henry and Riley argue about leaving. As they walk outside, the police are waiting for them. The children are safely reunited with their father and Mary. Dr. Chapman is so proud of Benji and Tiffany. He says they can stay with the family forever, making everyone very happy!
Cast
- Higgins as Benji
- Patsy Garrett as Mary
- Cynthia Smith as Cindy Chapman
- Allen Fiuzat as Paul Chapman
- Peter Breck as Dr. Chapman
- Christopher Connelly as Henry
- Tom Lester as Riley
- Mark Slade as Mitch
- Deborah Walley as Linda
- Herb Vigran as Lt. Samuels
- Frances Bavier as Lady with Cat
- Edgar Buchanan as Bill
- Terry Carter as Officer Tuttle
- Larry Swartz as Floyd
- J.D. Young as Second Policeman
- Tiffany as White Dog
- January L'Angelle as Student (uncredited)
- John P. Biff Painter as Store Burglar
Theme Song
The movie's main song is called "I Feel Love." It was sung by country music artist Charlie Rich. This song won a Golden Globe award for Best Original Song in 1975.
See also
In Spanish: Benji (película) para niños
