1974, Benji (feature film)
1977, For the Love of Benji (feature film)
1978, Benji's Very Own Christmas Story (TV movie)
1980, Oh Heavenly Dog (feature film)
1980, Benji at Work (TV movie)
1981, Benji Takes a Dive at Marineland (TV movie)
1983, Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince (TV series)
1987, Benji the Hunted (feature film)
2004, Benji: Off the Leash! (feature film)
This is a “FAN” site with the approval of the trademark and copyright holder of all Benji films, programs and materials Mulberry Square Productions, Inc. Visit www.Benji.com.
Benji - A beige colored little mutt who rose to stardom in 1974 when he was chosen for the title role in the box office hit movie Benji (1974) that grossed over $45 million. The film's producer, Joe Camp, got the idea for Benji from Walt Disney's animated feature Lady and the Tramp (1955). Benji (a.k.a. "Higgins") was a mongrel blend of Cocker Spaniel, Poodle and Schnauzer. At the ripe old age of 17 years, the original Benji gave up the cinema and retired, leaving a female look-alike pup to carry on in the sequel films For the Love of Benji (1977) and Oh, Heavenly Dog (1980). Benji was inducted into the American Humane Association Hall of Fame being awarded a P.A.T.S.Y. The American Guild of Variety Artists gave him a GEORGIE in 1976 for being "animal act of the year." Benji also starred in the half hour variety show The Phenomenon of Benji, (the first time in history an animal headlined his own prime time special telecast Thursday May 4, 1978, which traced the life & career of this cuddly little canine), Benji's Very Own Christmas Special and on CBS Saturday morning children's series BENJI, ZAX AND THE ALIEN PRINCE/CBS/1983-84. The motion picture Benji: The Hunted (1987) was performed by the daughter of the original in For the Love of Benji and Oh Heavenly Dog. He (Higgins) was Dog on Petticoat Junction for several seasons. Benji Off the Leash was performed by the current Benji (3) who was adopted from a shelter after a national search in shelters to help promote adoption.
Benji was originally found in a Burbank animal shelter by owner/trainer Frank Inn during the early 1960s.
One of the best-known strays to become a star is Benji, who was found by legendary Hollywood trainer Frank Inn at a Burbank, California, animal shelter. The floppy eared mutt's first movie in 1975 sparked a huge interest in shelter dogs. As a result, the American Humane Association estimates more than one million homeless animals have since been adopted from pounds.
Director Joe Camp with his friend and starBenji on the set of Mulberry Square's Benji: Off the Leash! - 2004
