Beethoven’s 2nd
Beethoven’s 2nd is a 1993 family film, and the first sequel to the 1992 film, Beethoven. It starred Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt, and Beethoven’s four puppies, Tchaikovsky, Chubby, Dolly, and Mo. This is the second installment in the Beethoven film series. There was never going to be a theatrical sequel to Beethoven until the box office success of the film and home video sales were higher than expected.
Production
All park scenes were filmed in Montana at Glacier National Park, though only California was specified as location in the film.
The movie’s theme song, “The Day I Fall in Love“, performed by Dolly Parton and James Ingram, was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture.
The instrumental “Kentucky Square Dance” by Larry Hochman from Associated Production Music is featured in the fairgrounds scene.
Reception
There is a scene in the movie where Nicholle Tom’s character, Ryce, is locked in an attic by her drunk boyfriend, played by Ashley Hamilton, in which he clearly plans on sexually assaulting her. Although Beethoven saves the day, many critics including Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel felt the scene treated the serious issue of date rape too lightly and/or that it was inappropriate for a family film.
This film has also been noticed by many (including The New York Times), to have a very similar plot from 101 Dalmatians.