Want more recommendations for your family?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration
The Barefoot Executive
By Joly Herman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Classic chimp shenanigans are fun for Disney fans.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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?
The entire cast plays their comedic roles to the hilt in this goofy romp. The 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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 17, 1971
- On DVD or streaming: April 12, 2004
- Cast: Joe Flynn , John Ritter , Kurt Russell
- Director: Robert Butler
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Wild Animals
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: December 10, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate