Benji's Very Own Christmas Story

Benji's Very Own Christmas Story is a delightful holiday special released in 1978. It is a heartwarming television movie starring Ron Moody, Patsy Garrett, and Cynthia Smith, with close to an hour of captivating storytelling. The film centers on the beloved canine character Benji, who became synonymous with family-friendly entertainment in the 1970s and 80s.

Directed by Joe Camp, the principal visionary behind the Benji franchise, the film is an absorbing twist on traditional holiday fare. As the title suggests, Camp takes the festive season's spirit and amplifies it using the universal appeal of the loveable mixed-breed dog, Benji.

Benji's Very Own Christmas Story starts with Benji and his two human companions, Cindy (played by Cynthia Smith) and Mary (Patsy Garrett), getting caught in the Swiss Alps due to an accident while they’re in the throes of promotional travel for Benji's latest movie. While they're stranded, they stumble upon Kris Kringle (Ron Moody) and form an unexpected and heart-tugging friendship.

Moody delivers a phenomenal performance as Kris Kringle, evoking a believable and genuinely merry figure who embodies the spirit of Christmas. The global feature to Christmas is highlighted charmingly in his character, as he gets ready to visit children around the world and shower them with presents. Patsy Garrett and Cynthia Smith display a warm and appreciable chemistry that accompanies their bond with their canine companion. Benji, the expressive four-legged star of the show, with his soulful brown eyes and energetic demeanor, effortlessly endears himself to viewers.

As is characteristic of Joe Camp's Benji films, the narrative weaves in elements of suspense, bonding, and an idyllic world where the language of love overcomes all barriers. This movie is no different. The interplay between human emotion and animal instinct is tenderly portrayed, as Benji manages to communicate feelings of empathy, understanding, and allegiance without a single spoken dialogue.

The film is also visually stimulating. Cinematographer Don Reddy creates a quintessential Christmas setting in the Swiss Alps, making it seem dreamlike with rolling landscapes covered in a pristine sheet of snow. The exquisite representation of the winter scenery adds a layer of richness and authenticity to the film, making it more enjoyable and engaging.

Running a little over 20 minutes, this Oscar-nominated short Christmas film explores themes of family, friendship, love, and the universal spirit of giving that lies at the heart of Christmas. The underlying motifs of unity and appreciation of one's blessings are woven beautifully into the narrative. It also addresses the joy of sharing, compassion, and the special bond between animals and humans.

Without giving too much away, it’s best said that Benji's Very Own Christmas Story is a gem of a film that seems to be a more emotional fable than one might expect from a canine-centric holiday movie. It is artistic, effortlessly charming, and deeply touching, with a satisfying storyline that will leave you smiling long after the credits roll.

Benji's Very Own Christmas Story, with its family-friendly approach and the light-hearted plotline, certainly has a timeless appeal. It's a holiday special that captures the essence of Christmas through the antics and adventures of a charismatic, fuzzy pooch and his human companions. The film has everything a viewer could look for in a Christmas film: heart, humor, and huggable characters, not least the eponymous Benji.

Finally, one can't end without mentioning Euel Box’s music, which adds another layer of wonderment to the film. The lively soundtracks beautifully supplement the on-screen activities and the magical Christmas carol that Kringle teaches Benji sets the tone for a delightful and enjoyable Christmas journey.

In a nutshell, Benji's Very Own Christmas Story is a must-watch for dog lovers and families alike seeking a fun-filled, supreme blend of holiday magic and adorable canine charm. The flick would indeed make your Christmas a bit more warm, snuggly, and certainly auspicious.