Mooch

Mooch Goes to Hollywood (1971)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Mooch is a new dog in Hollywood and she's given some tips from narrator Zsa Zsa Gabor on how to make it in the city. This includes her running into a number of celebrities including Vincent Price, James Darren and Jill St. John.

MOOCH GOES TO Hollywood is a somewhat bizarre made-for-TV movie that clocks in at just 51-minutes and will mainly appeal to film buffs who will get a chance to see a number of familiar faces. Price, Darren and St. John get the most screen time as they actually interact with the dog but we also get cameos from Edward G. Robinson, Mickey Rooney, Marty Allen, Phyllis Diller, Cesar Romero and even Richard Burton.

If you're a fan of one of those stars then you might want to check this out. It's basically just a somewhat cute dog running around and bumping into some famous people. If you're looking for some hard-hitting drama or action then you certainly won't find it here but there's no question that the film has its charming moments. It's also a bit bizarre as I'm guessing this here was originally meant for children yet there are some jokes about the dark side of Hollywood including stripping as well as porno movies. But, then again, the 70s were a lot different than today.

"Mooch" is a terribly written and ill-conceived film that, not surprisingly, has slipped into the public domain. It has very limited appeal and I cannot think who the audience would be for this movie. For kids, it's really not very appropriate, as it shows Mooch trying to be a stripper as well as going to the Playboy Club! For adults, the story and inane narration make it much more like a kids movie...and a bit too saccharine. It's really a shame, as Mooch (Higgins) is an adorable and talented dog...and would soon go on to fame as Benji in various films.

The story is about this stray dog arriving in Hollywood and supposedly making it big in films. Along the way, he meets up with various B and C-list celebrities as Zsa Zsa Gabor provides narration....badly written and weird narraiton. Overall, a perplexing and bad film that just isn't going to impress most viewers....a film best left in the public domain.

I finally had to get my hands on a VHS copy of this hidden gem which stars everyones favourite dog Benji. This movie however is a couple years before the mega hit Benji. This creates almost like an aura like buildup to the whole franchise even though its technically not part of the Joe Camp, Benji Series.

Overall this movie tends to be a bit ridiculous, with its ZsaZsa narration which is a little wack at the best of times, and featured stars making appearances all getting a chance to get to know Mooch, who is looking to get "her" paw in the door with some famous Hollywood celebs. I have to say though I throughly enjoyed the dream sequences which was hilarious not to mention I have never seen Vincent Price so happy in any movie. The fact they dress up Mooch multiple times gets really much to silly, e3specially as an exotic dancer...yeah.

As a child though I would have absolutely loved this movie as I did the other Benji movies. There is just something that animal stars portray across the screen, and they don't even have to speak any words. This movie was worth it. If you come across it, you should pick it up. I have often seen it on inexpensive double feature dvds, and would be a great family movie to add to your collection that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Mooch, a stray dog, rides the train to Hollywood to become a star. It would be best if she could find an owner/manager so she tries to ingratiate herself with famous stars. These include Vincent Price, James Darren, Jim Backus and others. Along the way, Zsa Zsa Gabor, the film's narrator, gives her helpful advice on practical matters. Mooch tries her best tricks out on everyone. When will she become a Hollywood hottie? This is Mooch's movie all the way. Even kids today will not care if they recognize the so-called stars because they will all be focusing on Mooch. She is just a doll, very talented, very patient. Watch her ride a motorcycle on the beach, submit herself to a makeover, and make her way out of a cage. No, this is not a best-selling movie or one with a lot of recognition. Nevertheless, if you should stumble upon it, snatch it up. Any praise it receives is moochly deserved.

A shaggy dog -- Higgins, who also starred in Benji and Petticoat Junction - arrives in Hollywood, where he runs into show-business bigwigs. The voice of Zsa Zsa Gabor advises the pup on how to become a big star in Tinseltown.

It's a cute movie co-written by Jim Backus. He got a wide variety of performers to make cameos, from Richard Burton, who speaks the introduction, to Edward G. Robinson in his last screen performance. Cuteness is the main point of this movie, along with the cameos, and it's certainly all right on that basis. See how many cameos you can spot as Higgins wanders about the Strip and elsewhere,