Beethoven *** (1992, Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Dean Jones) – Classic Movie Review 11,226

Director Brian Levant’s 1992 comedy Beethoven stars Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt and Dean Jones.

Two great big loveable fluffy things, Grodin and a giant St Bernard dog, make sweet music together as the odd couple for this amusing family frolic.

Daddy George Newton (Grodin)’s dysfunctional family were never dog people, but they are taken over by a sweet little lost puppy that grows into 13 stones of drooling devotion.

It is hardly new, but it is still a lot of harmless fun thanks to the winning star team. Curmudgeons and cat lovers – stay clear!

John Hughes writes the screenplay (with Amy Holden Jones) under the pseudonym Edmond Dantès.

Also in the cast are Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, Sarah Rose Karr, Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci, David Duchovny and Patricia Heaton.

Sequel in 1993 Beethoven’s 2nd with Charles Grodin. Made-for-video sequels followed in 2000 Beethoven’s 3rd (with Judge Reinhold), 2001 Beethoven’s 4th (with Judge Reinhold), and 2003 Beethoven’s 5th (with Dave Thomas).

RIP the deliciously dry, droll, deadpan comedian Charles Grodin, who died on 18 May 2021, aged 86. He is also remembered for The Heartbreak Kid (1972), King Kong (1976) and Midnight Run (1988).

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,226

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