Benji: McKinney’s Enduring Connection to a Texas Film Classic
More than 50 years ago, a scruffy little dog captured the hearts of millions when Benji opened in movie theaters on October 17, 1974. Much of the beloved independent film was filmed right here in McKinney, securing our city a place on the Texas Film Commission’s Texas Classics Trail.
The movie’s connection to McKinney remains a favorite part of our local history. Visitors still stop by to ask about the location of the famous “Benji house,” and generations of McKinney residents continue to enjoy sharing the story of how our community became part of this classic film.
A McKinney Film Favorite
Benji follows a lovable stray dog who helps rescue two kidnapped children, winning over audiences with his intelligence, charm and unmistakable scruffy appearance. The dog who played Benji was actually named Higgins, a talented animal actor whose performance helped make the film an enduring family favorite.
McKinney has celebrated its connection to Benji through community events, film screenings, pet-focused activities and opportunities to support local animal rescue organizations. These celebrations have brought together movie fans, dog lovers and residents to honor an important piece of McKinney’s film history.
Meet McKinney’s Benji Lookalikes
Over the years, McKinney’s Benji celebrations have also highlighted local dogs who share the character’s signature scruffy look and lovable personality.
One memorable contest winner was Ginger, whose owner described her as a rescued stray with a scruffy, windblown hairstyle and a love of long walks and back massages. Ginger’s story was a fitting reminder of the connection between Benji and the many real-life rescue dogs who bring joy to families in our community.
"I rescued her off the street as a stray in August 2013 two weeks after my big dog, Titus, passed away. Ginger was covered in fleas. I gave her three baths to get rid of all the fleas. I’m estimating she might’ve been close to one year old, which would make her 12 years old now. Ginger loves taking long walks, enjoys back massages and prefers her scruffy, wind blown hair style. Ginger and I would like to thank the Daisy Riddle Family for supporting the Benji statue."
We’re grateful to everyone who has participated in Benji-themed celebrations and helped keep this special piece of McKinney history alive. After all, who doesn't love a good dog story—especially one that put McKinney on the big screen?
Benji Statue Unveiling: February 19, 2023 during Krewe of Barkus
The City of McKinney Arts Commission and McKinney Main Street unveiled the statue of Benji (by artist Susan Norris) during the city's annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade event in downtown McKinney. The statue was funded by the City of McKinney and administered by the McKinney Arts Commission with support from the Daisy Riddle Family in memory of their beloved dog. (Photo here is Elizabeth Riddle with the newly-unveiled statue and a photo of her with her pup Daisy.)
Benji Statue Ribbon Cutting: March 11, 2023
Once the statue's brick pedestal was complete, the City of McKinney officially placed Benji in his new permanent home on the southeast corner of Virginia and Tennessee streets on the downtown square. The ceremonial ribbon cutting, a free event, was held on March 11, 2023.
About "Benji": The original 1974 Benji film, was written, produced, and directed by Joe Camp and had a budget of $500,000. Every Hollywood studio turned down the film, so Mr. Camp formed his own film company to distribute the film himself! The movie went on to gross $45 million at the box office. And not only was the movie a hit with filmgoers but its theme song, "I Feel Love" by Charlie Rich, was Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song.
