THE BAREFOOT EXECUTIVE (Theatrical Release USA 1971)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì

The Barefoot Executive—a comical, but predictable story—features Kurt Russell as the squeaky clean, all-American boy we came to love in Walt Disney movies. The movie includes a monkey, a little romance, a few cliff hanger thrills, some corporate corruption, and a happily ever after ending a la 1970s Walt Disney style. It’s good to see Kurt Russell in a children/family flick, a role he fits well. Harry Morgan appears in his usual ‘do it my way or else’ role. And, Joe Flynn from the McHale’s Navy television series does a very good job with his character, Francis X. Wilbanks.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Television studio mail clerk Steven Post (Kurt Russell) discovers his girlfriend’s chimpanzee can unfailingly predict shows that people will love. He uses the chimp to propel himself into the Vice President’s chair of the television studio, finds himself jealousy opposed by old line executives, and under serious scrutiny for the secret behind his rocket to success.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Robert Butler and to Producer Bill Anderson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Francis X. Wilbanks (Joe Flynn), E.J. Crampton (Harry Morgan), Mertons (Wally Cox), Jennifer Scott (Heather North), Farnsworth (Alan Hewitt), Clifford (Hayden Rorke), Roger (John Ritter), and Tom (Jack Bender).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s great family entertainment, clean, focused, and enjoyable from beginning to end.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers