Ben

Ben

Year: 1972

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Phil Karlson

HorrorThrillerHorror the undead and monster classicsGory gruesome and slasher horrorTerrifying haunted and supernatural horror

After the events of “WILLARD”, the tale follows Ben, a rat who befriends a lonely boy. Their bond is tested when Ben is revealed as the leader of a brutal pack of killer rats that stalk the town, leaving a trail of victims. The boy must confront the horror and choose where his allegiance lies.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ben (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ben (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1970s

The events take place in a contemporary era of suburban life, with police procedures and urban hazards typical of that period. The presence of aging extermination methods and police activity suggests a 1970s setting. The overall mood and production style align with early 1970s horror, reflecting the era's anxieties.

Location

Danny's Workshed, Suburban Neighborhood, City Sewers, Local Grocery District, Food Truck Route

The story unfolds across a quiet suburban backdrop centered on a boy's workshed where he befriends a rat. The neighborhood becomes a stage for escalating violence as the rats raid a grocery store and a food truck. The sewers serve as a hidden artery through which the rat colony moves and where the final confrontation occurs.

🏡 Suburban setting 🌆 Urban danger 🕳️ Sewers and tunnels 🏪 Local commerce area

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Main Characters – Ben (1972)

Meet the key characters of Ben (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Danny Garrison (Lee Montgomery)

A lonely boy with a severe heart condition who befriends Ben. He is imaginative, gentle, and determined to protect his new friend, often using marionettes to express his feelings and communicate with Ben.

👦 Boy ❤️ Heart condition 🧩 Imagination 🤝 Friendship

Eve Garrison

Danny's sister, a supportive presence in his life. She helps navigate the fear and danger surrounding the rat outbreak and provides a family anchor as events spiral out of control.

👧 Sister 🏡 Family 💪 Support

Beth Garrison

Danny and Eve's mother, who cares for her ill son and attempts to keep the family safe as the situation with the rats worsens.

👩 Mother 🏠 Family ❤️ Concern

Ben (the rat)

The intelligent, loyal rat who befriends Danny and leads the colony in seeking food. Ben's presence brings warmth to Danny's life but also triggers brutal consequences as the rats become threatening.

🐀 Animal 💡 Intelligence 🤝 Friendship

Cliff Kirtland

A police detective who orders extermination of the rats and becomes a central figure in the conflict, symbolizing authority clashing with compassion.

👮 Detective ⚖️ Authority

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Major Themes – Ben (1972)

Explore the central themes of Ben (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

Danny forms a deep bond with Ben, a rat, seeing him as a companion and helper. The relationship shows how trust and kindness can cross species boundaries. Ben's actions—protecting and assisting Danny—underscore the power of friendship in the face of loneliness and danger.

⚖️ Violence and Survival

As Ben's colony grows desperate for food, violence escalates from raids to deadly confrontations. The police response with traps, flamethrowers, and shotguns demonstrates how fear can drive brutal measures. The story explores what is required to survive in a hostile environment.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family and Loyalty

Danny's family life, especially his bond with his sister Eve and mother Beth, grounds the story in care amid danger. Danny's loyalty to Ben challenges the boundaries between human and animal, and his protective tenderness contrasts with the community's demand for extermination.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Unlock the Full Story of Ben

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ben in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ben is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ben Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ben, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ben Summary

Ben Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ben with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ben Timeline

More About Ben

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ben: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ben

Explore More About Movie Ben

Ben (1972) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Ben (1972) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Ben (1972) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow