Really Cute Dog and Many Celebrities in What the Heck Movie
The short television film Mooch Goes to Hollywood (screen title simply Mooch) is a bizarre outing written by Jim Backus and Jerry Devine. Although made in 1971, the Internet Movie Database lists it under its Canadian release of 1974. It follows a cute little female mutt, played by Higgins, a male dog who previously appeared on Petticoat Junction and later played Benji.
Little Mooch travels to Hollywood with stars in her eyes, aspiring to break into show business. At some point presumably she was meant to meet Zsa Zsa Gabor, but that part must have been cut out, as Zsa Zsa Gabor appears only as a disembodied voice giving Mooch constant advice, such as that it matters who you are seen with.
It’s unclear who this movie was intended for. It mostly seems to be for kids, with the cute dog’s misadventures, but is rated TV-PG on Tubi, doubtless for embarrassing references to X-rated films, attempting to break in at the Playboy Club, and considering strip club work.
Mooch stows away in Vincent Price’s jeep. Famous dog lover Price is actually really cute with the dog. He takes her to a veterinarian for a checkup. Mooch’s hopes go up only to be dashed as alas, Price wants to give her to some kid who’s been bombarding him with fan letters and mentioned that he really wants a dog, so Mooch once again hits the road in search of fame and fortune.
Mooch then meets James Darren and they spend an idyllic day at the beach before Darren dumps Mooch at the very same vet clinic, promising to pick her up when he has finished a movie. Mooch cleverly escapes and goes to Paragon Studios, sneaking into the dressing room of Jill St. John. Unlike Vincent Price and James Darren, Jill St. John does not come into actual contact with the dog but only offers advice, including to be made up by her hairdresser, who gives Mooch a horrifying “glamorous” makeover.
Mooch is then discovered by Jim Backus when she arrives as he is doing some voice work. He needs a dog for an upcoming production and takes Mooch to his home for a garden party to show her around. There Mooch falls into his pool and her makeover is ruined. She is surrounded by celebrities, including Vincent Price, James Darren, and Jill St. John, who formerly found her so cute, who all mock her as a mere mutt. Probably this is supposed to illustrate the brutal nature of fickle Hollywood where everything can turn on a dime, but it’s surprising the celebrities would want to be portrayed as so cruel. Mooch is unable to stand their treatment and flees. At 51 minutes this movie is just about long enough.
A number of other celebrities appear, including Mickey Rooney, Phyllis Diller, and Darren McGavin. Someone is credited as Mooch’s voice although in the finished movie Mooch never speaks. Richard Burton does opening and closing narration. It’s hard to give a final opinion on this film. The dog is well trained and really adorable.