This family comedy is an example of how some films from the happiest place on earth just don't stand the test of time, as well as some actors. That's more than true for veteran actor Fred MacMurray, great in screwball comedies and the occasional bad guy role, but not very likeable in films like this. It's one thing to play a character who hates dogs, but thanks to a horrible plot device in the script, he becomes homicidal to dogs, making him an instant villain even though he's the lead.
His oldest son Tommy Kirk is a young scientist who in the opening scene shoots a missile from the basement through the roof. Okay, so that's a blast to start the film off, but the infantile way that this is developed becomes cringeworthy as it goes on especially when a subplot involving spies next door is introduced. By this time, Kirk had turned into a rare breed of sheepdog, and it's his evesdropping that unleashes the spy plot.
Poor Annette Funicello is completely wasted as the girl he has a crush on and isn't photographed in a flattering way. Her hairstyle also didn't help. Jean Hagen is also underused and badly abused as MacMurray's put upon wife. The only moments of humor come from Kirk's conversation with museum curator Cecil Kellaway right after he's transformed and his occasional run-ins with cop James Westmoreland. Disney films in general are a mixed bag with some classics but most like mediocre sitcoms that overstay their welcome. This shaggy dog needs a flea dip.
His oldest son Tommy Kirk is a young scientist who in the opening scene shoots a missile from the basement through the roof. Okay, so that's a blast to start the film off, but the infantile way that this is developed becomes cringeworthy as it goes on especially when a subplot involving spies next door is introduced. By this time, Kirk had turned into a rare breed of sheepdog, and it's his evesdropping that unleashes the spy plot.
Poor Annette Funicello is completely wasted as the girl he has a crush on and isn't photographed in a flattering way. Her hairstyle also didn't help. Jean Hagen is also underused and badly abused as MacMurray's put upon wife. The only moments of humor come from Kirk's conversation with museum curator Cecil Kellaway right after he's transformed and his occasional run-ins with cop James Westmoreland. Disney films in general are a mixed bag with some classics but most like mediocre sitcoms that overstay their welcome. This shaggy dog needs a flea dip.