The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

“The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” is a family comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It was released in 1969 and directed by Robert Butler. The film stars Kurt Russell in one of his early roles as Dexter Riley, a college student who gains extraordinary abilities after a mishap with a computer.

The story follows Dexter Riley, a typical college student at Medfield College, known for its quirky and inventive professors. One day, during an electrical storm, the college’s new supercomputer, the M.I.D.A.S. (Memory Impulse-Driven Analyzing System), is struck by lightning. This unexpected event causes the computer’s data to fuse with Dexter’s brain during a routine repair.

Following the accident, Dexter discovers that he has acquired vast amounts of information and knowledge from the computer. He becomes a human computer, capable of processing complex calculations and facts at lightning speed. The newfound abilities turn Dexter into a campus celebrity, but they also attract the attention of unscrupulous characters who want to exploit his talents for personal gain.

As Dexter and his friends try to keep the situation under control, they uncover a plot involving a criminal gang and a rival college that seeks to take advantage of his unique abilities. In a series of comedic and adventurous escapades, Dexter uses his computer-enhanced intelligence to outsmart the villains and save the day.

“The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” is part of Disney’s popular series of college-based comedies from the late 1960s and early 1970s, known as the “Dexter Riley Trilogy.” The other two films in the series are “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t” (1972) and “The Strongest Man in the World” (1975).

The film’s lighthearted humor, Kurt Russell’s charming performance, and the imaginative premise of a human-computer hybrid made “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” a commercial success. It was well-received by audiences and became a beloved classic among Disney fans.

Overall, “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” is a fun and entertaining family film that captures the spirit of adventure and humor that Disney is known for. It combines elements of comedy, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.

Fun Facts

• “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” is part of the Medfield College trilogy, which includes other films like “Son of Flubber” and “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t.”
• The film stars Kurt Russell in one of his early Disney roles as Dexter Riley, a college student who gains incredible knowledge and computer-like abilities after a freak accident involving a computer and electric shock. His newfound talents lead to both humorous and challenging situations.