Benji Takes a Dive at Marineland

Here now is one of Florida's very rare (if not lost) motion picture gems, and a ton of fun for the whole family. Filmed in 1981 as part of an ABC's "Afterschool Special" anthology series, this half-hour puppy flick served as a publicity stunt both for the Benji film company and for Marineland of Florida. Located on Highway A1A (the Route 66 of Florida's east coast) this Sunshine state counterpart to Marineland of California was one of Florida's first theme parks before Disney. Besides Benji, the park has also shared the spotlight with Clint Eastwood in "Revenge of the Creature" (sequel to "Creature from the Black Lagoon")Lloyd Bridges in his "Sea Hunt" series, and Elvis Presley in "Live a Little, Love a Little." Alas today, the ravages of time, weather, and economics have turned the facility from a once famous dolphin show site, into a strictly marine biology education camp. Still, should you happen to spot this classic on DVD at your local Wal-Mart or Target Store, (along with the aforementioned other 3) snatch it up quickly before it's gone! You won't be sorry.

If you are nostalgic for the 1980s, love cute terriers dressed in people clothes, can't afford a real island vacation, or want to shelter your children from the harsh truth of the real world, you must buy this movie! Everyone is hyped up about Benji's latest daring adventure! One islander has a grim outlook on the future of Benji's "deep sea" exploration, suggesting that Benji's intentions for a scuba diving mission will quite probably result in impending doom for our canine pioneer. What will happen as Benji puts his life in peril on his perilous scuba diving mission to the floor of the resort pool? Only time will tell!