The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
G | 30 December 1969 (USA)
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Trailers

Some college students manage to persuade the town's big businessman, A. J. Arno, to donate a computer to their college. When the problem- student, Dexter Riley, tries to fix the computer, he gets an electric shock and his brain turns to a computer; now he remembers everything he reads. Unfortunately, he also remembers information which was in the computer's memory, like Arno's illegal businesses..

Reviews
one-nine-eighty

This film comes from an era when Disney made good live action movies for the whole family to watch, I remember these movies fondly from my childhood so I was delighted to get a copy of this film to reminisce. Starring Kurt Russell as a college student this film boasts a massive cast of film and TV legends including Cesar Romero (The Joker from the Batman TV series), Joe Flynn (The Love Bug), William Schallert (practically every TV series - check out his bio) and even Pat Harrington Jr (appeared in loads and loads). At this time in the studios history Kurt Russell was the all American kid that they wanted in everything and this is one of 3 films where he plays Dexter Riley ("Now you see him, Now you don't" 1972, "The Strongest Man in the World" 1975). Before I tell you about the film bear in mind that this film was put out in 1969 when computers where the size of HGV's, telephones where all landlines, and kid's with spirit could accomplish anything. By today's standards this film is extremely dated but if you are able to suspend your disbelief for 91 minutes and not question the inaccuracies and goofs then you might find yourself enjoying this, probably more so than the 1995 TV Movie remake!!! Dexter attends Medfield College which isn't as lavish as other colleges in the state. Dexter and his gang persuade a local business man - A.J. Arno (Cesar Romero), to donate a computer to the college. Unfortunately not everything is as it seems as A.J. is a crook in his spare-time and he used to use the computer to handle his gambling houses. One night at college Dexter is involved in an accident with the computer which results with him getting the brain of a computer (the scientific tests performed on him to prove this are hilariously camp). Soon enough everyone wants a piece of the amazing Dexter, he practically tours the country doing everything from presidential tours to watching space rockets take flight. A.J. Arno wants a piece of this and tries to get Dexter for himself, as do the dean's of various colleges including his own. A.J. kidnaps Dexter the night before a University Challenge style quiz which carries a purse of $100,000, this means it's up to Dexter's friends to rescue him. Can they rescue him in time, will the police believe them, will Dexter be able to win the quiz show? OK so maybe some of the general knowledge questions/answers aren't accurate, nor is the medical exam, but who cares, this was made in the swinging 60's, it's full of colour, it's cheesy and it's totally harmless while being entertaining. If a VW beetle can have feelings and friends ('Herby' "The Love Bug") then Kurt Russell can play a kid who gets the brain of a computer after being electrocuted when in reality he should have died. 6 out of 10 from me, fun, colourful and cheesy.

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wes-connors

Squeaky-clean cut collegiate Kurt Russell (as Dexter Reilly) downloads data from his campus computer, and becomes a "cause celebre" by demonstrating his improved mental gymnastics. "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" continues the Disney studio's successful run of comedies featuring good-looking youngsters, great character actors, and a plot providing its star with a super-human strength. The first follow-up film had Mr. Russell discovering how to become invisible. Since it's a Disney film, the characters aren't too quick with the obvious (like the invisible hanging out in the girls' locker room), but everything is certainly likable.The film is chock full of familiar favorites, like veteran Cesar Romero (as A.J. Arno), Joe Flynn (from "McHale's Navy"), and William Schallert (from "The Patty Duke Show"). Getting to play in roommate Russell's top bunk is handsome blond Frank Webb (as Pete Oaks), who also joined Russell and Medfield College co-star Jon Provost (as Bradley) in the pages of "16" and "Tiger Beat". The teen magazines duly noted the presence of three of their own in one film. Mr. Provost had background fame as the second kid to own TV's "Lassie" and Mr. Webb ended his career tragically. Both feature prominently in the film's relatively fun conclusion.****** The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (12/31/69) Robert Butler ~ Kurt Russell, Frank Webb, Cesar Romero, Jon Provost

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Seth Nelson

"The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" is a very good film. Released by the Disney company in 1970 or so, it's a movie about a student who has all the knowledge, all the power, all the info - that made him as smart as one of those huuuuuge computers of the time!!!!! Hence, the name of the film is called "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes!"I've seen this original version not on the Old Disney Channel, but on a local station late one Saturday night in '97. It was good; I also remember the 1995 TV remake that I watched on ABC as were we moving here to Texas!Man, I wish I had all the knowledge like that boy did!!!!! Oops, this reminds me - I gotta quit writing reviews at the moment and finish writing my midterm paper - now!!!!!Before I go, let me say, enjoy this film!!!!!10/10

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agentr63

I remember seeing this as a kid in the theatre, and saw it again for the first time in many years on cable recently. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it after all this time. Russell's performance is quite believable, despite the fantastic story line. Really good entertainment, and blows away much of the modern Disney entertainment provided these days, which is pretty nauseating.

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