 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Barefoot Executive
- Review Date: December 27, 2005
- G
- Genre: Comedy
- 1971
Common Sense Media says
Classic chimp shenanigans are fun for Disney fans.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a story about a young mailroom clerk who wants to get ahead in business so badly that he lies about his methods of advancement, taking credit for somebody else's accomplishments. He makes amends in the end. Pratfalls and stunts on the ledge of a building may make some viewers nervous.
What's the story?
Steve Post (Kurt Russell) is aching to get ahead in life. He's convinced that his good ideas and charisma can help the TV network where he works get out of its slump. His girlfriend Jen (Heather North) also works at the studio as the secretary to the man in charge, Mr. Wilbanks (Joe Flynn). But Steve's ideas are often more annoying to the struggling execs than helpful. Until he discovers that the neighbors' chimp, Raffles, can predict the outcome of TV ratings. Steve uses Raffles' ability to choose TV winners to get ahead in his job. The president of the network (Henry Morgan) soon puts Steve in the position that he has dreamed of -- the youngest studio executive in history. Steve wins accolades, awards, and notoriety in his position, all the while harboring his little secret. His girlfriend suspects something, and eventually the studio execs get wise to the situation. Comedic mayhem ensues.
Is it any good?
This movie harks back to an optimistic time, when teens going to night school sought to advance their careers based on their luck and timing. Kurt Russell plays this sympathetic character very well, epitomizing the easygoing, bright California kid of the 1970s. A young John Ritter makes an appearance as Roger, the boss' nephew, highlighting his budding comedic talents. In fact, the entire cast plays their comedic roles to the hilt in this goofy romp.
If you like to see primates dressed in cute pajamas or tiny plumbers' outfits and enjoy the throwback style of The Brady Bunch TV show, this one is for you.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about cheating to get ahead. Are there different degrees of cheating? Is it ever acceptable? How would you feel if you were Jen? Would you let Steve get away with his secret? Did he do the right thing in the end? Families can also talk about monkeys in the movies. Who's your favorite primate star?
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| Topics: | wild animals |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Robert Butler |
| Cast: | Joe Flynn, John Ritter, Kurt Russell |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 95 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 17, 1971 |
| DVD release date: | April 12, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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