Ben

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Plot

This sequel to the rampaging-rodent chiller Willard stars Lee H. Montgomery as young Danny Garrison, a neglected kid who finds a new little friend in Ben -- an intelligent rat whose furry minions managed to slaughter most of the cast of the previous film. Proving that one can't teach an old rat new tricks -- just variations on the old ones -- Ben displays his affection for Danny by directing his posse to off anyone who torments him... in the sweetest possible way, of course, since this is a PG-rated endeavor. This film's reputation was secured primarily by the inclusion of Michael Jackson's saccharine title tune, which seems to resonate more profoundly when regarded as a love song for a big greasy rat. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Cast

Kaz Garas - Joe Greer; Norman Alden - Policeman; Paul Carr - Kelly; Richard Drasin - George; Scott Garrett - Henry Gary; James Luisi - Ed; Lee Paul - Careu; Arlen Stuart - Mrs. Gray; Kenneth Tobey - Engineer; Richard Van Fleet - Reade

Credit

Rolland M. Brooks - Art Director, Ray Harp - Costume Designer, Mina Mittleman - Costume Designer, Floyd Joyer - First Assistant Director, Phil Karlson - Director, Harry Gerstad - Editor, Walter Scharf - Composer (Music Score), Russell Metty - Cinematographer, Bing Crosby - Producer, Mort Briskin - Producer, Charles A. Pratt - Producer, Joel Briskin - Producer, Gilbert A. Ralston - Screenwriter, Moe DiSesso - Animal Trainer/Wrangler

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Ben
Directed by Phil Karlson
Produced by Mort Briskin
Written by Gilbert Ralston
Starring Lee Montgomery
Joseph Campanella
Arthur O'Connell
Meredith Baxter
Music by Walter Scharf
Cinematography Russell Metty
Studio Bing Crosby Productions
Distributed by Cinerama Releasing Corporation
Release date(s)
  • June 23, 1972 (1972-06-23)
Running time 94 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Ben is a 1972 horror film about a young boy and his pet rat, Ben. The film is a sequel to the 1971 film Willard. The film is known for its sentimental theme song performed by Michael Jackson.

Contents

Plot

A lonely boy named Danny Garrison befriends Ben, the rat leader of the swarm of trained/telepathic rats found in Willard. Ben becomes the boy's best friend, protecting him from bullying and keeping his spirits up in the face of a heart condition.

However, things gradually take a downward turn as Ben's swarm becomes violent, resulting in several deaths. Eventually, the police destroy the rat colony with flame throwers, but Ben survives and makes his way back to Danny. The film closes with Danny, tending to the injured Ben, determined not to lose his friend.

Cast

Theme song

The film's title theme song of the same name is performed by Lee Montgomery in the film and by Michael Jackson over the end credits. Jackson's recording of the song became a #1 pop hit single. Later included on Jackson's album of the same name, "Ben" won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (it lost to "The Morning After" from The Poseidon Adventure).

The song is calm and mellow, which contrasts with the horror content of the film. A live recorded version was released on the 1981 album The Jacksons Live! and eventually appeared on Jackson's Number Ones album in 2003.

Crispin Glover re-recorded a version of the song for the soundtrack of the 2003 remake of Willard.

Reception

Ben received mixed to positive reviews, currently holding a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[1]

References

External links


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Mentioned in

Ben (in the Old Testament)
ben