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, 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 cute film for preschoolers through adults. Children will love "Mooch" as she romps all over Hollywood in search of her "big break." "Mooch" is all dog as she relies on her wit and charm (and a little advice from Zza Zza Gabor) to win the heart of "Hollywood." Adults, especially the "Boomers" will enjoy the archival footage of the early 1970's Hollywood. The supporting cast includes a good variety of famous TV and film stars. Zza Zza Gabor's intermittent narration is never distracting. The film's running time of 55 minutes makes it an excellent choice for family gatherings, after-school programs, dog parties and the like.

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.

Insanely inappropriate children's film in which a dog comes to Hollywood and -spurred on by a Zsa Zsa Gabor voiceover- dreams of modelling for Playboy, working as a stripper and throws herself sexually at the likes of Vincent Price, James Darren and Jim Backus. The missing link between 'The Littlest Hobo' and 'Showgirls'...and a film that sends out a terrible message to young, impressionable dogs.