Benny is a supporting character in the 1990 science-fiction film Total Recall. He is a mutant resident of Mars who works as a taxi driver, though this is merely a cover for his true profession: working as a spy for the Mars Colony Security Force. He is portrayed by Mel Johnson, Jr.
History[]
When Douglas Quaid arrived on Mars, Benny was quick to offer his services as a cab driver, noticing that Quaid was being pursued by security forces. While driving around Venusville, Benny told Quaid about the history of the colony, specifically how the cheaply-made domes failed to filter out the harmful radiation from the planet's natural atmosphere, thus resulting in the mutation of most of the early settlers.
Later on, as Richter and Helm, along with their men, attempted to kill Quaid and Melina at the Hilton Hotel, the two received a ride from Benny, who was shocked to find himself on the run from the authorities. After racing through the terbinium mines, Benny accidentally crashed his cab and followed both Quaid and Melina back to the Last Resort, seemingly fearing for his life. Going through an underground tunnel buried under the Last Resort, the three found the headquarters of the Resistance, who were fighting against Vilos Cohaagen's brutal reign and his abusive monopoly of selling air. Upon meeting the Resistance, Benny revealed himself to be a mutant, having developed an alien-like arm concealed under his fake human arm.
Inside the Resistance hideout, Quaid met with their leader Kuato who helped him learn about the alien atmospheric reactor located beneath the colony. Activating the reactor would create a breathable atmosphere for the planet, but Cohaagen decided not to activate it so he could continue exploiting the colonists. Soon, Cohaagen's soldiers breached the hideout and Quaid, Melina, George/Kuato and Benny fled, entering an airlock. The group were about to don life-suits and head outside, but Benny then revealed his true colours, drawing a machine gun and shooting George, killing him and Kuato.
Death[]
Quaid and Melina were captured by Cohaagen's forces, but managed to escape and made their way down to the terbinium mines. There, Benny operated one of the heavy mining vehicles and attacked the pair, threatening to crush them. However, Quaid grabbed a portable drill and used it to rupture an exposed oil supply tube, bringing the machine to a stop. As Benny struggled with the controls, Quaid thrust the drill through the control console, impaling Benny through the chest.