Synopsis
Browning is a PI with a bad cold, who's sent to investigate a case by a mysterious client. He stumbles across the body of a young woman and is stabbed to death, and when he wakes up in heaven, they tell him he's "marginal material," and they can only decide on his final destination through one last assignment: to go back and solve his own murder. As a dog. A cute fluffy little dog (Benji). Undaunted, Browning begins to investigate the case as best he can around his canine disabilities (dialing the phone presents a special challenge) to solve the murders, save the girl, and see justice done.
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Cast
- BenjeanBenji a.k.a Browning (as Benjean)
- Chevy ChaseBrowning
- Jane SeymourJackie
- Omar SharifBart
- Robert MorleyBernie
- Lorenzo MusicHeavenly Public Address (Voice)
- Stuart GermainHiggins / Deaf Postie
- Alan SuesFreddie
- John StrideAlistair Becket
- Donnelly RhodesMontanero
Recommendations
- 75
Chicago Tribune
Whimsical, well-crafted comedy-mystery in which detective Chevy Chase returns to Earth in the body of that charming little mutt, Benji. A surprisingly adult film in several ways -- there's some middle level profanity and as much wit and pathos as there is cuteness. [11 July 1980, p.8] - 70
Washington Post
A scruffy but appealing light entertainment, the movie owes its unexpected charm to the fact that comedian and dog seem to complement and humanize each other. [09 Sep 1980, p.C3] - 50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
As a risque children's entertainment, it's better than a street-corner dirty joke, but it's no place for adults to hang around. [17 July 1980] - 40
The New York Times
Oh Heavenly Dog is diverting enough for its dog tricks - I like dog tricks, don't get me wrong - but it otherwise shows few signs of life, and many signs of depressing modernism. - 40
TV Guide Magazine
This movie misfires in its attempt to combine a children's dog story and adult comedy by pairing Benji and Chevy Chase. Silly and slow-moving. - 25
Chicago Sun-Times
It's a total miscalculation from beginning to end, inspired by an idiotic decision to increase the average age of the Benji audience by starring him in a movie rated PG.
