The Absent Minded Professor (1961)

A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself.

Director:

Robert Stevenson

Writers:

Bill Walsh (screenplay), Samuel W. Taylor (story)

Stars:

Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Fred MacMurray	...	Professor Ned Brainard
Nancy Olson	...	Betsy Carlisle
Keenan Wynn	...	Alonzo P. Hawk
Tommy Kirk	...	Biff Hawk
Leon Ames	...	President Rufus Daggett
Elliott Reid	...	Professor Shelby Ashton
Edward Andrews	...	Defense Secretary
David Lewis	...	General Singer
Jack Mullaney	...	Air Force Captain
Belle Montrose	...	Mrs. Chatsworth
Wally Brown	...	Coach Elkins
Wally Boag	...	TV Newsman
Don Ross	...	Lenny
Forrest Lewis	...	Police Officer Kelley
James Westerfield	...	Police Officer Hanson

Storyline

A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | the white house | washington monument washington d.c. | aerial camera shot | flubber | 

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Taglines:

The WHOLE TOWN'S JUMPIN' In fact they're in Orbit Since the 'Shaggy' Prof invented FLUBBER (the GOO that Flew)

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi | Sport

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The song "Medfield Fight Song" was written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, the first of many they would write for Disney.

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Goofs

When the Hawks are chasing Professor Brainard and Betsy, the two policemen are shown approaching the area in their squad car, a 1956 Ford. However, when they arrive on the scene, they are driving a 1960 Ford.

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Quotes

Alonzo P. Hawk: Hey, you know something? You're all right son. 'Course, you got a little of your mother in you, but actually, well, you're just me all over again.

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Alternate Versions

Also available in a colorized version (made in 1986 and later in 1997), on TV, VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray.

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Connections

Referenced in Bionic Six: Masterpiece (1987)

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Soundtracks

Sweet Betsy from Pike
Unknown composer
Lyrics by John A. Stone
Performed by Fred MacMurray

User Reviews

Good Fun for the Whole Family

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

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 1961 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Absent Minded Professor

Filming Locations:

Renwick Gym, Pomona College - 333 N. College Way, Claremont, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.75 : 1