Beethoven
Movie, 1992, The Early 90s
Beethoven is #9 of 27 in release order and #10 of 27 in chronological order in the VHS Kids Classics.
The story
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.
Beethoven recap
A St. Bernard puppy escapes from two dognappers, Harvey and Vernon, and wanders into the home of the Newton family. George Newton, a stressed businessman, does not want a dog, but his wife Alice and children Ryce, Ted and Emily talk him into keeping it, and Emily names him Beethoven. Beethoven grows into a huge, drooling dog that helps the children with their problems: he scares off Ted's bullies, helps Ryce with her crush and saves Emily at a pool party, while ruining George's barbecue for two investors who are secretly trying to cheat him. The family's vet, Dr. Varnick, secretly needs large dogs for cruel experiments. He visits the house, provokes Beethoven into biting him and threatens to sue unless the dog is put down. George reluctantly takes Beethoven to the clinic.
Beethoven ending explained
George realises Varnick was faking, and the Newtons track Beethoven to Varnick's warehouse. George crashes through the skylight, a dog Beethoven befriended bites Varnick, and Ted drives the car in, knocking Varnick into a cart of sedative syringes. The family frees all the captive dogs, Harvey and Vernon are chased by guard dogs, and all three are arrested. George finally accepts Beethoven.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Beethoven
Beethoven isn't on a US streaming service right now. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 5.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes 31%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, before The Mighty Ducks.
- Chronological order: after Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, before The Mighty Ducks.
Cast
- Chris the Dog as Beethoven
- Charles Grodin as George Newton
- Bonnie Hunt as Alice Newton
- Dean Jones as Dr. Varnick
- Nicholle Tom as Ryce Newton
- Christopher Castile as Ted Newton
- Sarah Rose Karr as Emily Newton
- Oliver Platt as Harvey
- Stanley Tucci as Vernon
- Laurel Cronin as Devonia Peet
- David Duchovny as Brad
- Patricia Heaton as Brie
Directed by Brian Levant.