Now You See Him, Now You Don't

In this underrated sequel to the 1969 film The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, we find Dexter Riley inventing again. This time, he's working on a theory of invisibility. And yet again, Dean Higgins is in need of money. Makes you wonder what happened with all the money Medfield was awarded in the first film.

This film wasn't always readily available from the Disney library, not until they were releasing the Dexter Riley trilogy on dvd. Therefore, that made the film somewhat obscure and almost unknown. One of the downfalls of this installment is that Professor Quigley (William Schallert) wasn't involved in the production. He was replaced without explanation, but does reappear in The Strongest Man in the World. Richard Bakalyan returns but as a nephew to A.J. Arno.

However, the film is funny and the special effects were great for the time period. It's a very family friendly film.

This comical tale is an example of what Saturday matinee movies used to be like. Don't be dismayed if you think this is for science fiction lovers only, it's got some great laughs, fine acting, surprisingly good special effects and a hugely enjoyable story. Great performances from the late Cesar Romero and Joe Flynn. Also notable to see a young Kurt Russell in action. Second feature in a trilogy with the same cast.

Just as good as its predecessor, perhaps even slightly better in moments.

All in all I narrowly prefer 'The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes', but 'Now You See Him, Now You Don't' most certainly still produces solid fun. Everything revolves around invisibility this time, the stuff that Dexter & Co. get up to is suitably entertaining.

Kurt Russell reprises the role of Dexter, again positively - no surprise he went on to become such a well known star. Cesar Romero is also good for a second film running, as Arlo. Joe Flynn gets a bigger part as Higgins this time, he's definitely better in this production.

For the majority I felt it was superior to the 1969 original, but the third act drags ever so slightly to the point it brings it back down on a similar footing. Still, this is Disney's best live-action sequel up until this point - way more enjoyable than 'Son of Flubber' or 'Savage Sam', among others.

Can they make it a hat-trick of fine films with the other sequel in 'The Strongest Man in the World'? Hope so!

This is a 1972 Disney movie. For the time, I was eleven years old and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Feeling nostalgic, I purchased the three series DVD's of the Dexter Riley movies and even now, at age 46, I still enjoyed them. It was all about fantasy, magic, and clean fun. And it still is! I wasn't sure which of the three movies came first then second and last. So now I have the official dates. On December 31, 1969 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes--On July 12, 1972 Now You See Him Now You Don't--On February 6, 1975 The Strongest Man In The World. I still think the middle movie was the best. The special effects were amazing back in 1972 to us kids. I definitely recommend it to all ages.

College dean Higgins (Joe Flynn) is trying to cut the chemistry department budget. He dismisses all the science being done by the students. A lightning strike hits the lab. The next day, Dexter Riley (Kurt Russell) checks the damaged experiments and discovers an invisibility liquid. He shows his friends Richard Schuyler and Debbie Dawson. Crooked investor A.J. Arno (Cesar Romero) has bought up the college's mortgage. The Dean is clueless but the three friends suspect Arno has nefarious motives.

This is the second of the Dexter Riley movies from Disney. It is charming family fun. There is an endearing innocence about these movies. Baby-faced Kurt Russell is great. I also love the pre-CGI special effects. As a kid, I was engrossed by them. As an adult, I am enchanted by them. The story is silly but that's also part of the charm.