The Horse In The Gray Flannel Suit

Last Updated on: June 26th, 2024

The Horse In The Gray Flannel Suit (1968 Movie)

“The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit” is a live-action comedy-drama film released by Walt Disney Productions in 1968. Directed by Norman Tokar, the film stars Dean Jones, Diane Baker, and Kurt Russell.

The story revolves around Fred Bolton (played by Dean Jones), a hardworking advertising executive who dreams of owning a horse. Fred’s daughter Helen (played by Ellen Janov) also shares her father’s passion for horses. One day, while working on a campaign for a cereal company, Fred comes up with an idea to use a horse as their mascot. He convinces his boss, Tom Dugan (played by Fred Clark), to sponsor a racehorse as part of the advertising campaign.

Fred purchases an inexperienced horse named “Gray Flannel” and begins training him with the help of an experienced trainer named Charley (played by Lloyd Bochner). Meanwhile, Helen develops a special bond with the horse and names him “Aspercel” after the cereal.

As Fred juggles the responsibilities of his job, family, and horse training, he faces various challenges and comedic mishaps. He also becomes involved in a romantic subplot with a public relations executive, Lynn (played by Diane Baker).

Throughout the film, the story explores themes of family, perseverance, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. It also portrays the ups and downs of the horse racing industry and the love and dedication people have for their animals.

“The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit” received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by audiences, especially families and horse enthusiasts. The film’s blend of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments made it a charming addition to Disney’s live-action filmography.

As part of Disney’s efforts to diversify its film offerings, “The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit” joined the studio’s repertoire of live-action films that entertained audiences beyond their animated classics. The film’s wholesome and family-friendly nature aligns with Disney’s commitment to providing entertainment suitable for all ages.

While not as widely remembered as some of Disney’s other classics, “The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit” remains a nostalgic gem for those who enjoyed its endearing story and heartwarming performances. It continues to be a reminder of Disney’s dedication to creating family-friendly entertainment that stands the test of time.



Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released:
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $3.3 million
  • IMDB Link

Cast

  • Dean Jones: Frederick “Fred” Bolton
  • Diane Baker: Suzie “S.J.” Clemens
  • Lloyd Bochner: Archer Madison
  • Fred Clark: Tom Dugan
  • Ellen Janov: Helen Bolton
  • Morey Amsterdam: Charlie Blake
  • Kurt Russell: Ronnie Gardner
  • Lurene Tuttle: Aunt Martha
  • Alan Hewitt: Harry Tomes
  • Frederico Piñero: Lorendo
  • Florence MacMichael: Catherine
  • Joan Marshall: Mimsey
  • Robin Eccles: Judy Gardner
  • Adam Williams: Sergeant Roberts
  • Norman Grabowski: Truck Driver

Crew

  • Director: Norman Tokar
  • Producer: Winston Hibler
  • Music: George Bruns

Movie Trailer:




Subscribe To My Weekly Newsletter

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 site isDMR.