Mooch

I am not sure if "Mooch Goes To Hollywood" was a pilot for a proposed television series. But if it was, I am really glad none of the big three networks decided to pick it up. It's a truly bizarre creation. I don't know what Jim Backus (who co-wrote it and also appears in it) was thinking, nor do I know how he was able to convince some major talent to appear in it. The end product does not seem for any potential audience. Certainly, adults will not like it. There's barely a plot, and the production has a real childish tone. Nor does it seem appropriate for a youth audience. Kids will probably not recognize any of the stars, nor will they understand the Hollywood setting and environment. Also, the production makes a few references to strippers and X-rated movies! While everything that I've mentioned to this point may make this seem appealing to fans of bizarro Hollywood productions, in actual fact the movie is pretty dull for the most part, and seems twice its actual length of 51 minutes. I would only recommend the production for cult movie/TV fans who have to see everything.

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,

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.

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.