US (1972): Horror

This sequel to the rampaging-rodent chiller Willard (1971) stars Lee H. Montgomery as young Danny Garrison, a neglected kid who finds a new little friend in Ben -- an intelligent rat whose furry minions managed to slaughter most of the cast of the previous film. Proving that one can't teach and old rat new tricks -- just variations on the old ones -- Ben displays his affection for Danny by directing his posse to off anyone who torments him... in the sweetest possible way, of course, since this is a PG-rated endeavor. Phil Karlson directs a cast that also features Joseph Campanella, Arthur O' Connell, Rosemary Murphy and Meredith Baxter. This film's reputation was secured primarily by the inclusion of Michael Jackson's saccharine title tune, which seems to resonate more profoundly when regarded as a love song for a big greasy rat. (Crosby-Cinerama) (Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide)

· Music Best Song 1972: "Ben" Walter Scharf - Music, Don Black - Lyric

1 nomination