Mooch Goes to Hollywood (aka Mooch) is a 1971 television film directed by Richard Erdman and co-written by Jim Backus, who also stars in the film as himself. The film chronicles the adventures of Mooch, an ambitious dog, and her attempts to become a canine star after arriving in Hollywood by train and befriending Zsa Zsa Gabor. She comes to realize the best way to become a star, is to hang out with the stars. With the likes of Vincent Price, James Darren, Jill St. John, Phyllis Diller, Sam Jaffe, Rose Marie, Dick Martin, Darren McGavin, Edward G. Robinson, Cesar Romero, Dean Martin (voice only) and Mickey Rooney.
Mooch is known as Higgins the Dog who starred as Benji and Dog in the hit series Petticoat Junction. The animals that appeared in Mooch Goes to Hollywood were supplied and trained by Frank Inn. The bevy of animals at the veterinarian included a monkey, goat, cat, donkey and duck. Mooch's various costumes came from Frederick's of Hollywood. The title song, with lyrics by Ann Nicolaysen was sung by Sonny Curtis.
Credits:
Higgins the Dog as Mooch
Vincent Price as himself
James Darren as himself
Jill St. John as herself
Jim Backus as himself
James Harding as Veterinarian Dr. Hackett
Kim Hamilton as Nurse
Gino Conforti as Hairdresser Mr. Oz
Jerry Hausner as Producer
Bert Holland as Attendant
Grace Albertson as Lady with Cat
Jay Jostyn as man with Duck
Lynne Lipton as voice of Mooch
Zsa Zsa Gabor as narrator
