Common Sense Media Review
'60s comedy has dated stereotypes, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Love Bug
What's the Story?
Meet Herbie, a VW Beetle with a mind of its own -- one that kids will be instantly taken with. In this, the first -- and best-- of the four movies starring the lovable car, Herbie is rescued from his mean owner Mr. Tomlinson (Peter Thorndyke) by nice-guy Jim (Dean Jones). Herbie and Jim become fast friends – and fast race car drivers as they win race after race. When Tomlinson decides he'll stop at nothing to get Herbie back, Jim, the woman he's sweet on (Michele Lee), their friend Tennessee (Buddy Hackett), and the lovable VW bug are in for one wild ride.
Is It Any Good?
While 1968's THE LOVE BUG shows its age, it still provides lots of entertainment. This movie seems to exist in a different Disney universe from that of the studio's earlier features: one populated by hippies, mock-mystic mechanics, and pants-wearing career women.
Peter Thorndyke makes a fine villain: oily, bullying, and deliciously underhanded. Buddy Hackett's Tennessee, on the other hand, isn't nearly as much fun, and audiences will likely wince at the racial stereotyping presented by Mr. Wu. Kids, of course, are meant to identify with Herbie, the Love Bug himself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotyping. How does the movie resort to stereotyping for the sake of humor? How is such stereotyping a reflection of when the movie was made?
While a kids' movie, how does the movie sneak in more "adult" jokes for older audiences?
Does the movie glamorize reckless driving, or is it obviously played up and exaggerated for comedic effect? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 24, 1968
- On DVD or streaming : August 3, 2004
- Cast : David Tomlinson , Dean Jones , Michele Lee
- Director : Robert Stevenson
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Friendship
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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