“Benji: The Hunted” is a family adventure film released in 1987. It is the fourth film in the Benji film series, created by Joe Camp. The movie was directed by Joe Camp and stars Benjean, a female dog who plays the titular character, Benji.
The story follows Benji, a lovable and intelligent stray dog, who gets stranded on a remote island after a boating accident. On the island, Benji encounters various wildlife, including cougars, wolves, and bears. Despite the dangers and challenges, Benji befriends several animal cubs, including a cougar cub and a red fox kit.
As Benji bonds with the animal cubs and takes on the responsibility of caring for them, he must also protect them from the predators that inhabit the island. The film showcases Benji’s resourcefulness and bravery as he navigates the wilderness and faces numerous obstacles in his quest to survive and find his way back home.
“Benji: The Hunted” is notable for its lack of human dialogue, relying on the expressive actions and emotions of the animals to convey the story. The movie is heartwarming and appeals to audiences of all ages, emphasizing themes of courage, friendship, and the special bond between animals and humans.
The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its beautiful cinematography and the captivating performance of Benjean as Benji. Audiences were moved by the endearing and adventurous tale, making it a popular family film during its release.
“Benji: The Hunted” continues the legacy of the beloved Benji character, which became an icon of family entertainment in the 1970s and 1980s. The film showcases the enduring appeal of the lovable canine hero and his ability to touch the hearts of viewers with his bravery and compassion.
Overall, “Benji: The Hunted” is a heartwarming and thrilling family adventure that showcases the resilience of animals and the importance of compassion and kindness towards all creatures. It remains a timeless and endearing film that continues to be cherished by audiences of all ages.
Fun Facts
- “Benji the Hunted” is the third film in the popular Benji film series, featuring the lovable canine character Benji. In this installment, Benji becomes stranded in the wilderness and embarks on a journey to survive and find his way back home.
- The film was directed by Joe Camp, who also created the Benji character and produced the previous films in the series. “Benji the Hunted” showcases the natural beauty of the Oregon wilderness, where much of the movie was filmed.
- One of the notable aspects of the film is its lack of human dialogue. While there are human characters in the movie, they do not engage in spoken dialogue, allowing the audience to connect with Benji and experience the story from his perspective.
Additional Details
Cast
- Benjean: Benji
- Frank Inn: himself
- Red Steagall: the hunter
- Gideon: Mother Cougar
- Malina: Cougar Cub
- Bart the Bear: Bear
- Dimitri: The Wolf
- Nancy Francis: Mary Beth McLaulin
- Joe Camp: the TV director (voice)
- Steve Zanolini: the producer (voice)
- Mike Francis: the TV cameraman
- Ben Vaughn: the engineer’s hand
- Karen Thorndike countdown (voice)
- Guy Hovis: the balladeer
- Ben Morgan: himself
Crew
- Director: Joe Camp
- Producer: Ben Vaughn
- Music: Betty Box and Euel Box
Movie Trailer:
Related News:
- Joe Camp, Creator and Director of ‘Benji’ Films, Dies at 84, March 16, 2024