RELATED: Eco-Horror Films: Animals in Revolt! Ben is a 1972 American horror film about a young boy and his pet rat, Ben.The film is a sequel to the film Willard (1971). A lonely boy named Danny Garrison befriends Ben, the leader of the colony of rats trained by the late Willard Stiles. Jackson's recording of the song became a number 1 pop hit single. YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN WILLARD AND BEN It makes sense that a sequel to the 1971 hit Willard appeared within the next year. The sequel, Ben, is a continuation of Willard where a young boy takes over looking after the rats, and it's a little more gruesome than Willard. Socrates is. We love him for that because that’s how we ultimately see Willard. It's 'Ben'". Ben is not Willard’s best friend. He is married to Emily Tomerlin. A lonely boy befriends Ben, the leader of a violent pack of killer rats. Willard tries to trick Ben into eating poison. He was angry with Willard for not stepping in when Martin (Ernest Borgnine) kills … View the profiles of professionals named "Ben Willard" on LinkedIn. Dr. Bennett Willard received his undergraduate education from Truman University and attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Missouri. “Willard!” is shouted by different characters in both films during the opening, but you immediately have a sense he constantly puts up with emotional abuse, and the last straw is implied to arrive soon. 612 likes. In the kitchen, Ben bites Willard, who tries to make a deal with him. It is that very remorse that brings the arc of the story to its frightening end. Pearl Jam's song "Rats" refers to the film Ben; the last line of the song is an obvious reference to the Michael Jackson song "Ben". Later included as the title track on Jackson's second solo album, Ben, it won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (it lost to "The Morning After" by Maureen McGovern from another 1972 film, The Poseidon Adventure). Glover portrayed him perfectly this way, but Bruce Davison’s portrayal shows us a more complex man. It was also included on his 1972 album of the same title. Scenes are often frame-by-frame facsimiles of the original, helping nudge the remake into the same category of greatness. This is a great double feature with some interesting extras. RELATED: 35 Years Later: ‘The Hitcher’ is Still Malevolent Nightmare Fuel. Ben Ford was born on September 22, 1966 in Los Angeles County, California, USA as Benjamin Ford. I recommend watching these back-to-back to see how closely these two films resemble each other, but if there’s only time to watch one, the fifty-year-old classic is close to perfect. It makes sense that this sequel focused on the rat Ben and would be called Ben, given the previous film’s rather downbeat ending. Read More "He could make anything funny. The film is a sequel to the film Willard (1971). Our unique insight, extensive network and dynamic team, create successful sales and lettings Island-wide. It is this pivotal moment that shows us the difference between man and monster. A live recorded version was released on the album The Jacksons Live! Crispin Glover’s version enjoys it all too much. I don’t doubt for a second that Bruce Davison’s portrayal benefited greatly from Lanchester’s portrayal. He can only be explained as an escaped lab rat. "[4] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times wrote that the film "is equally scary and diverting as Willard while being more serious and ambitious. His social dysfunction is a direct result of her constant need for Willard to care for her. You have entered an incorrect email address! Judge Benedict Willard. There’s never an excuse not to gawk at Glover’s brilliant portrayals any chance you get. Crispin Glover's 'Ben' video which accompanies the movie on the 'Willard' DVD. These classic horror gifts come wrapped under a pretty bow. Download My Bio Eeeech! and radio spots. Join Facebook to connect with Ben Willard and others you may know. He is Board Certified in Anesthesiolgy. Willard realises that his mansion has been invaded by rats, so he has to get put her on a taxi. Ben realises the trick and calls for reinforcements. His work with animals can also be seen in The Hills Have Eyes (1977) and The Raven (1963) with Vincent Price. In a thriller, we're supposed to be scared by some awesome menace to mankind—the Green Blob maybe, or Big Foot, or the Invincible Squid and his implacable enemy, red wine sauce. View the profiles of people named Ben Willard. Ben becomes the boy's best friend, protecting him from bullying and keeping his spirits up in the face of a severe heart condition. The film is recognized by the American Film Institute in the following list: Thomas, Kevin (June 23, 1972). Interestingly, his unclear identity was something of an issue for him when he first arrived in the States early in his career. The 1968 short novel inspired the original film, and it’s likely mentioned or alluded to in some way in both films. While she is not as active in Hollywood … Directed by Phil Karlson. If you’re really in the mood for something scary, see his work with the motley mutt, Sandy, in Annie (1982). He completed his residency in Anesthesia as well as an internship at Grand Rapid’s Metropolitan Hospital, Michigan. Ben. "[5], However, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 1​1⁄2 stars out of 4, writing, "This isn't a thriller but a geek movie. With Bruce Davison, Elsa Lanchester, Sondra Locke, Ernest Borgnine. 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