FILM REVIEWS

Absent-Minded Professor, The (1961) B

Disney
 
This zany family comedy, directed by Robert Stevenson, stars Fred MacMurray as college professor Ned Brainard, who discovers a "flying rubber" that makes cars and basketball teams fly. When applied to shoes, the gravity-defying substance allows the wearers to leap way high.
 
The antagonist is the villainous Alonzo Hawk (Keenan Wynn), who plots to steal the formula for his personal gains.
 
Unlike most Disney live-action comedies, The Absent Professor was shot in black-and-white for budgetary reasons.
 
In 1964, Disney made a sequel, "The Son of Flubber," which was also popular at the box-office, but not as wacky or inventive.
 
Oscar nominations: 3
 
Cinematography (b/w): Edward Colman
Art Direction-Set Decoration (b/w): Carroll Clark; Emil Kuri, Hal Gausman
Special Effects: Robert A. Mattey, Eustace Lycett
 
Oscar Awards: None

 

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