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The Absent Minded Professor

Classic family from from Walt Disney that stars Fred MacMurray in the title role as a rather forgetful and absent minded professor who invents a strange putty substance that drives him and his close contacts bonkers. The movie is much more inspired, likable and family-friendly (not to mention funnier and more charming) than the remake starring Robin Williams, which was written by John Hughes long after his career had fallen downwards. This version is the definitive version--don't let the kiddies convince you to rent the other one before you see this one!

**** / *****

Fred MacMurray had a wonderful career with leading roles in all types of films. He had many hit comedies and dramas. He made Westerns, mysteries, action and adventure thrillers, war films and even sang in a couple of movies. Toward the end of his career, he made some family films for Walt Disney and starred in TV series. And, he still did an occasional other film - drama, Western, comedy or other.

"The Absent-Minded Professor" is his second Disney family movie, after the successful 1959 "The Shaggy Dog."

This film was an even bigger box office success. It's a fun family film for kids of all ages. It's a fine comedy with some good trick camera work. A basketball game with the Medfield College team bouncing to the rafters and leaping onto backboards will leave one wondering how Disney filmed those scenes. Besides MacMurray, Keenan Wynn, Nancy Olson, Leon Ames and Elliott Reid add some comedy.

The movie received three Academy Award nominations, for camera work, art and set work and special effects. MacMurray also got a Golden Globe nomination for best actor. That's the only major nomination he ever received. Yet he was a consummate actor in any genre, and one of the best entertainers for several hit comedy films during Hollywood's golden age.

All of MacMurray's films continue to please audiences well into the 21st century. This film is a good one for family time to laugh and smile together. Here are some favorite lines from this film.

Mrs. Chatsworth, "But remember this. The universe is millions and millions and millions of years old. It can wait a little. But girls can't wait."

It has been years since I have seen this movie! I am glad to see that it is still fun and my girls really enjoyed (4 & 6). What was kinda neat was that the Alonzo Hawk character also returns in Herbie Rides Again (same actor, same personality). Small coincidence, because the movie was also directed by Robert Stevenson.

So, if you are looking for a film that will not offend, and offer a few chuckles and will captivate your child's attention, check out The Absent Minded Professor.

Also, IMHO, do not wast time with the Flubber remake.

Cheers

C

I must have been eight when I saw this, since it's listed as coming out in 1961. I was an unsophisticated kid, who didn't see too many movies in my youth, and those I did see tended towards the non-controversial. I'm glad they did, there was plenty of time for me to learn about "sex, drugs, and rock and roll later in my movie-going career. MacMurray, Kirk, and Wynn (and the others) played their roles to perfection, leaving me in open-mouthed admiration. An added bonus, my Dad was a professor and for quite a while, my brother and I called him the Absent Minded Professor...

My wife and I saw this with our four young sons when it was first released, and we thought it was great. We have seen it several times since, and it is always entertaining. Unlike some critics, I thought Fred MacMurray was perfect in the title role, and the supporting cast was great. The humor may seem a bit unsophisticated and hokey by present day standards, but in my eyes it makes the movie even more enjoyable. Show this film to your unprejudiced younger children and grandchildren and watch them delight in it.