Ben | 1972

Main Plot

Ben centers on a young, isolated boy named Danny who struggles to connect with those around him. His life takes a strange turn when he discovers Ben, an unusually intelligent rat who leads a large colony of rodents. Despite Ben’s fearsome reputation and the chaos caused by his fellow rats throughout the city, Danny forms a deep bond with the creature, seeing him as a loyal companion. As authorities and frightened townspeople attempt to exterminate the rat infestation, Danny tries to protect Ben, torn between his affection for his friend and the growing danger the rats pose. The film explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the consequences of loyalty, building tension as Danny’s relationship with Ben puts him increasingly at odds with the world around him.

Characters

• Lee Montgomery plays Danny, a socially isolated boy who forms a unique bond with Ben, the rat. His growing attachment to Ben tests his loyalty and sense of right and wrong.
• Joseph Campanella portrays Cliff Kirtland, a determined police officer investigating the mysterious rat attacks. His pursuit of the truth brings him into direct conflict with Danny and Ben.
• Arthur O'Connell appears as Mr. Granger, Danny's concerned neighbor. His suspicion of the unusual events challenges the fragile peace in the community.

Ending Explained

As Ben reaches its conclusion, the bond between the lonely boy, Danny, and Ben, the rat, is put to the ultimate test. After a series of terrifying incidents caused by Ben’s swarm, the authorities launch a determined effort to eradicate the rats, culminating in a fiery assault on their hideout. While most of the rats are killed, Ben manages to survive, albeit badly injured. Danny, devastated by the loss and chaos, secretly tends to Ben’s wounds, reaffirming their unusual friendship despite the violence and fear that has engulfed the town. The film closes on a bittersweet note: Danny sings to Ben, vowing to care for him, while the threat of the surviving rat lingers in the background. This ending highlights the complexity of their relationship—Danny’s compassion contrasts with the community’s horror, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and ambiguity about the future. The story resolves with the main characters’ fates intertwined, suggesting that their connection endures even in the face of overwhelming adversity.