OPEN POST: Post A Pup Sundays on Monday With Benji!

By

Benji is an adorable fictional dog who first stole hearts in the 1974 film "Benji," directed by Joe Camp. This lovable mixed-breed pup is known for always being there to lend a helping paw when people are in need. Over the years, several dogs have played Benji, but the original Benji was a rescue dog named Higgins. 

The talented Hollywood animal trainer Frank Inn discovered Higgins in 1960 at the Burbank Animal Shelter. Higgins was a charming mix of Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Poodle, and Schnauzer, which gave him a unique look and intelligence that made him a standout in his roles. Under Frank Inn's guidance, Higgins had a successful career in television, including an uncredited role as the family dog on the sitcom "Petticoat Junction" for six seasons. He also made guest appearances on shows like "Green Acres" and "The Beverly Hillbillies."

In 1974, at 14, Higgins came out of retirement to star in the film "Benji," which became his most successful endeavor. Filmed in and around McKinney and Denton, Texas, the heartwarming story follows Benji, a stray but friendly dog cherished by the townspeople, particularly two children, Cindy and Paul. When criminals kidnap the Chapman children, Benji uses his resourcefulness and determination to rescue them, leading the police to the kidnappers' hideout. The film was a surprise hit, grossing $45 million on a budget of just $500,000. It was independently produced and distributed by Joe Camp after being turned down by every major Hollywood studio.

The film's success led to several sequels, a television series, and even a reboot in 2018. Although Higgins passed away in 1975, just a month shy of his 18th birthday, his descendants continued to portray Benji in subsequent films and shows. Benji has become a beloved symbol of the importance of adopting rescue animals. The original film's success is credited with inspiring over 1 million dog adoptions from shelters across the United States.

I loved Benji to distraction. I made my mom play the videotape repeatedly to the point it drove her crazy. I would chant "Benji! Benji!" until she broke and played it for me. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Peckerwood Manor's ELECTION PANIC-A-GOGO!

By
Image
It's happening right now! This is place to scream about the election; to vent, to rejoice, to grumble, then scream again. I swear, your throat will feel like sandpaper once this day is done. Have you voted yet? Are you in line? Post pictures! Is your heart skipping beats? Do you fear for the future? Of course you do! But crucially, do you have enough booze and pills to get through this? What, exactly, are you taking or drinking? We want to know. And what are you eating? Are you a sugar or salt whore? We want to know that, too.  Leave those who'd rather not discuss such matters to our special Election-Free Open Post , since today, for one day only, we're gettin' real and gettin' dirty  in our own gasping, shrieking, blood-soaked election post. Hold tight.   
Read more

OPEN POST: We Will Survive!

By
Image
Rise up, my chickens. We're all worth fighting for.  It won't be easy, it won't be fun, but through the long dark of night and on to a new day, it will surely be worth it. We don't regularly refer to politics in our Open Posts, but today, I think it's worth noting that many of us got through eight long years of Ronald Reagan - and it was a nightmare, and for many of my contemporaries, deadly. But here we are, we're still standing. We'll get through this, too, I promise.  What does this mean in the short-term? Tears, fury, booze, pills, or weed, of course. You have my permission - not that you need it - to comfort yourself however you like for the rest of the week. But come Monday, all bets are off. Bitches won't even see us coming. 
Read more

OPEN POST: Monday Music At The Manor With DJ Li'l Scratch!

By
Image
Are you freaking out about the election tomorrow? Me, too. Or maybe you're having a more generalized "It's Monday, oh-my-fucking-gawd" freak out? In either case, please allow Peckerwood Manor's esteemed DJ Li'l Scratch to take you away. Many of you already know about Li'l Scratch, as he regularly lays tracks at "Heavy D's," the Manor's exclusive after-hours club.  Today he's spinning Teri Thornton, a vibrant, husky-voiced jazz singer and piano player who hailed from Detroit. In 1961, she exploded onto the scene with her debut LP, "Devil May Care," demonstrating show-stopping vocal prowess. The reviews were through the roof and so was the public reception, yet just as suddenly - poof - she vanished after a few more LPs, her career thwarted by market changes given the rise of rock 'n' roll. And that was that. She was all but forgotten, reduced to driving a taxi to make ends meet.  But in a jaw-dropping comeback, she re
Read more