“The Monkey’s Uncle” is a comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions, released in 1965. It is a sequel to the 1963 film “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones.” The movie is directed by Robert Stevenson and stars Tommy Kirk as Merlin Jones and Annette Funicello as Jennifer.
In the film, Merlin Jones is a college student with a knack for getting into misadventures and conducting eccentric experiments. He develops a new revolutionary formula that enables people to communicate with animals. When the college’s football coach, Professor Shattuck (played by Leon Ames), hears about this discovery, he believes that the formula could help him train a chimp named Stanley to play football.
Soon, Merlin, Jennifer, and Stanley find themselves involved in hilarious situations, including mistaken identities, football shenanigans, and quirky experiments with unpredictable results. The film is filled with slapstick humor, zany antics, and comedic performances that make it a delightful family comedy.
“The Monkey’s Uncle” features catchy musical numbers, including the title song “The Monkey’s Uncle” sung by Annette Funicello and The Beach Boys. The film also includes appearances by Frank Faylen and Arthur O’Connell, adding to the fun and charm of the story.
While “The Monkey’s Uncle” received mixed reviews upon its release, it has become a nostalgic favorite for Disney fans over the years. The movie captures the spirit of the 1960s with its lighthearted humor and upbeat musical sequences. The chemistry between Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello, who were popular Disney stars at the time, adds to the appeal of the film.
Overall, “The Monkey’s Uncle” is a whimsical and entertaining comedy that showcases the creativity and humor typical of Disney films from that era. It remains a beloved gem among Disney enthusiasts who enjoy revisiting the playful adventures of Merlin Jones and his furry friend Stanley.
Additional Details
Cast
- Tommy Kirk: Merlin Jones
- Annette Funicello: Jennifer
- Leon Ames: Judge Holmsby
- Arthur O’Connell: Darius Green III
- Frank Faylen: Mr. Dearborne
- Leon Tyler: Leon
- Norman Grabowski: Norman
- Cheryl Miller: Lisa
- Connie Gilchrist: Mrs. Gossett
- Alan Hewitt: Professor Shattuck
- Gage Clarke: College President
- Mark Goddard: Haywood
- Harry Holcombe: Regent
- Alexander Lockwood: Regent
- Harry Antrim: Regent
- Brian Wilson: Himself
- Carl Wilson: Himself
- Dennis Wilson: Himself
- Al Jardine: Himself
- Mike Love: Himself
Crew
- Director: Robert Stevenson
- Producer: Walt Disney and Ron Miller
- Music: Buddy Baker