The Newton family live in their comfortable home, but there seems to something missing. This "hole" is filled by a small puppy, who walks into their home and their lives. Beethoven, as he is named, grows into a giant of a dog... a St Bernard. Doctor Varnick, the local vet has a secret and horrible sideline, which requires lots of dogs for experiments. Beethoven is on the bad doctor's list.
Practical Effects
Multiple Saint Bernards played Beethoven—no CGI slobber here.
Acting
Charles Grodin's escalating dad-rage is comedic perfection.
Director
Brian Levant
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Beethoven was played by a dog named Chris—who was actually a female Saint Bernard named Kris.
This film single-handedly caused a Saint Bernard buying frenzy in 1992, followed by mass shelter returns when families realized they're 150+ pound shedding machines.
US
