[I guess this might qualify as a GQ instead of a MPSIMS, but I felt it was too lightweight for that forum. If anyone with the power wants to move it, please be my guest.]
It’s no secret that '70s&'80s cheesy, campy and low-budget B-movies have a warm place in the hearts of many of today’s boomer/genX TV viewers. And TNT, TBS, USA, etc. unabashedly feed their cravings with countless airings of C.H.U.D., the Poseidon Adventure and the Planet of the Apes.
Well, what ever happened to Willard and it’s follow-up flick, Ben? (The plots, IIRC: boy exacts his adolescent revenge via a pack of trained, avenging rodents. Boffo at the BO, I recall.)
I would think W and B would be ripe for revival. But you (okay… I) never see them on TV. What gives? Legal entanglements? Some boob lost the negative? Or is it those damn Illuminati again?
Personally, I think we can thank our lucky stars that they DON’T show these flicks on TV — or anywhere else (Now that I think about it, I don’t even recall seeing videotapes of them).
The only good thing that Willard is responsible for is spawning a wonderful satire in Mad. (“Bem and Socratty, you come to work with me today,” says Willard. You can hide in here. No one ever comes in this office. It’s Accounts Payable.)
By gum, you’re right…neither WILLARD (1971, with Elsa Lanchester and Ernest Borgnine, whew)) nor BEN (1972, title song warbled by Michael Jackson) is even available on videotape! My guess is it’s the work of that god damn Rat Lobby.
I agree though, that we shouldn’t collectively ask ‘why haven’t they been on tv’ since even voicing the question may give it enough to actually appear (karma is like that you know).
Is that any way to talk about an Oscar-nominated movie? Yes, Ben was nominated for an Academy Award in 1972 for Best Song, the eponymous “Ben,” performed by Michael Jackson, back when he was still black and male.
I hope it might eventually be included in MGM’s “Midnight Movie” DVD releases of old horror B-pictures.
Truthfully, I think it has to do with the logistics of writing all the residual checks for 4,000 small rodents (or their survivors). Just too much paperwork!
Actually… I have seen Ben on TV. Or actually, the last 20 minutes of it since that’s when I turned on the set. It was on a local channel in the area that also features things like Tale from the Crypt and Son of Svengali (Berwyn!)
Hey, we watched “Willard” just last week on video (coincidence - or God-incidence?) Y’know what else is uncanny? Willard’s erstwile girlfriend was played by Sondra Locke - who also went on to direct “Ratboy,” and was involved with Clint Eastwood - who reportedly treated her like a rat.
Anyway, the only thing more stupid than a scary rat movie is a scary rabbit movie - and so I heartily recommend “Night of the Lepus.” Buffalo-size bunnies AND DeForest Kelly - what more could you want?