Mooch

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 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.

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.

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.