The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones 

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones (1964 Movie)

“The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” is a comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions, released in 1964. The movie is directed by Robert Stevenson and stars Tommy Kirk as the titular character, Merlin Jones, and Annette Funicello as his love interest, Jennifer.

Merlin Jones is a college student with a penchant for scientific experiments. He becomes involved in a series of misadventures when his experiments lead to unforeseen and hilarious consequences. In one experiment, he accidentally develops a formula that allows people to hear each other’s thoughts. This leads to comical situations when he and Jennifer use the formula to their advantage.

As the story unfolds, Merlin finds himself in more trouble when he is mistaken for a criminal mastermind due to a misunderstanding involving a stolen purse. With the help of Jennifer and her lawyer father (played by Leon Ames), Merlin sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence in a court of law.

“The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” is a light-hearted and charming comedy that captures the spirit of the 1960s. It showcases the charm and chemistry between Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello, who were popular Disney stars at the time. The film is filled with slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and comedic performances that appeal to both children and adults.

The movie was successful upon its release and spawned a sequel titled “The Monkey’s Uncle” in 1965. Both films have become nostalgic favorites among Disney fans, reflecting the playful and imaginative storytelling typical of Disney films from that era.

Overall, “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” is a delightful family comedy that entertains with its quirky characters, humorous situations, and whimsical charm. It remains a beloved classic in Disney’s filmography and continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.


Fun Facts

  • “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” is a Disney comedy film released in 1964. It stars Tommy Kirk as the titular character, Merlin Jones, a college student who gets into comical and often bizarre situations due to his inventions and experiments.
  • The film features Annette Funicello as Jennifer, Merlin Jones’ love interest. Annette Funicello was a popular Disney actress known for her roles in various Disney films, making her appearance in this film a treat for fans.
  • “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” is known for its quirky and whimsical humor. It explores themes of scientific curiosity, innovation, and the unexpected consequences of experimentation, all wrapped in a lighthearted and entertaining narrative.

Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 1964
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $4 million
  • IMDB Link

Cast

  • Tommy Kirk: Merlin Jones
  • Annette Funicello: Jennifer
  • Leon Ames: Judge Holmsby/Lex Fortas
  • Stuart Erwin: Police Captain Loomis
  • Alan Hewitt: Professor Shattuck
  • Connie Gilchrist: Mrs. Gossett
  • Dallas McKennon: Detective Hutchins
  • Norm Grabowski: Norman

Crew

  • Director: Robert Stevenson
  • Producer: Walt Disney and Ron Miller
  • Music: Buddy Baker

Movie Trailer:




About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.