Benji
Seen it?1974 | 86 min | Adventure, Family, Romance
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics, adventure fans and families. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic, feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 26 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1974: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Benji is a stray who has nonetheless worked his way into the hearts of a number of the townspeople, who give him food and attention whenever he stops by. His particular favorites are a pair of children who feed and play with him against the wishes of their parents. When the children are kidnapped, however, the parents and the police are at a loss to find them. Only Benji can track them down, but will he be in time? If he can save the day, he may just find the permanent home he's been longing for.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$45 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 50K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Joe Camp
- Patsy GarrettMary Gruber
- Allen FiuzatPaul Chapman Jr.
- Cynthia SmithCindy Chapman
- Peter BreckDr. Paul M. Chapman
- Frances BavierLady with the Cat
- Terry CarterOfficer Tuttle
- Edgar BuchananBill
- Tom LesterRiley
- Christopher ConnellyHenry
- Deborah WalleyLinda Sue