Common Sense Media Review
Slapstick, friendly, heroic car returns in Love Bug sequel.
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Herbie Rides Again
What's the Story?
In HERBIE RIDES AGAIN, it's Herbie to the rescue when an unscrupulous developer schemes to take a widow's home. The famous VW bug with a mind of its own teams up with lawyer Willoughby Whitfield (Ken Berry) to stop Willoughby's uncle Alonzo (Keenan Wynn), a greedy real estate developer, from bullying sweet Mrs. Steinmetz (Helen Hayes) into selling her San Francisco home. Willoughby falls for Mrs. Steinmetz's niece Nicole (Stefanie Powers), and Herbie rallies every VW in the city to help stop Alonzo.
Is It Any Good?
The sequel nearly rises to the level of its predecessor, The Love Bug. In Herbie Rides Again, Hayes and Wynn's well-matched rivalry furthers the romance of a young couple. Lots of sight gags, bluster, and comic revenge will capture the grade school crowd's attention. Though younger viewers may need an explanation of some of the motives and action, this is a fine family feature. Hayes' comedic turn as an unflappably sweet grandmother (which won her a Best Actress nomination in 1975) provides a fun counter to Wynn's gruff bluster. As in the first Herbie feature, the little car never misses a chance to score off the villain. The driving scenes are mostly funny (under and on top of water, along the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge) and only occasionally scary (along the ledges of a high-rise office building). In a particularly amusing scene, Mrs. Steinmetz blithely rides through San Francisco, never taking her eyes off her knitting, as she and Herbie are pursued by big, aggressive cars.
The romance between Willoughby and Nicole manages not to slow things down too much, though it's unnecessary to the plot. The blossoming romance between Mrs. Steinmetz and rancher Mr. Judson (John McIntire) is a lot more fun to watch. Besides a couple of relics that don't stand up today—a distasteful Native American gag and cigarette smoking—there's little to dislike about this movie, and plenty for the whole gang to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the action sequences in Herbie Rides Again. Do you find them fun to watch? Does it make you curious about how the car chases were filmed and produced? What about how no one wears seatbelts? Discuss with your kids how seatbelts weren't universally available or legally required at the time.
How do Mrs. Steinmetz, Willoughby, and Herbie demonstrate courage, integrity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you think of the rivalry between Mrs. Steinmetz and Alonzo Hawk? Does it remind you of any current events happening today? Which side do you want to be on and why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1974
- On DVD or streaming : April 30, 1996
- Cast : Helen Hayes , Ken Berry , Stefanie Powers
- Director : Robert Stevenson
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : family friendliness
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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