Well - I know one thing for certain - Whatever it was (and it was never explained) that "possessed" Herbie (the VW Love Bug) - I'd say that this bewitched, little vehicle was clearly of an unsound mind.Not only did "Herbie" have a peculiar attitude towards being irrationally destructive - But he also threw perplexing temper tantrums and had strong suicidal tendencies, as well.With disturbing qualities such as these - Had "Herbie" actually been a real person - You can bet that he'd be under the close observation of a very concerned psychiatrist.I think it's interesting to note that the VW logo was never featured in this live-action cartoon at all. And that's because Disney Productions had not been given the OK from the Volkswagen auto-maker to use their name in any way.And - As a final note - This "Disney-cute" Comedy/Romance (from 1968) was completed on a $5 million budget. It went on to gross 10x that amount at the box-office.

Robert Stevenson directed this appealing comedy that stars Dean Jones as unemployed race car driver Jim Douglas, who comes into possession of a Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie that somehow has a life of its own, and as soon as Jim realizes this, with the help of his friend Tennessee Steinmetz(played by Buddy Hackett) Herbie goes to work winning races for him, and helping him meet an attractive lady(played by Michele Lee) He must compete against his chief rival Peter Thorndyke(played by David Tomlinson) to win the big climatic race. Amusing and delightful film can be enjoyed equally by adults and children alike. First in a series of such films with Herbie.

I had seen the modern Lindsay Lohan/Michael Keaton remake of the classic collection of films about the living car, Herbie: Fully Loaded, and it was right I should see the first of the old ones, from director Robert Stevenson (Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks). Basically down on his luck racing car driver Jim Douglas (Dean Jones) and his friend, occasionally drunk mechanic Tennessee Steinmetz (The Little Mermaid's Buddy Hackett), live together in an old run down fire house. One day Jim goes to a luxury car dealership and wants something in a rather low price range, but mean dealer Peter Thorndyke (Mary Poppins' David Tomlinson) has no interest in helping him. Then Jim spots a strange car, an old Vauxwagen Beetle, and after managing to take it away with him, it proves to be an unusual car, it has a mind of its own driving where it wants to. He believes Thorndyke planted the car on purpose, but dealer assistant Carole Bennett (Michele Lee) proves the car is a good purchase, only to discover the car is living as well, and Jim has found a love interest. After being fixed up Jim, and given the name "Herbie" by Tennessee, the car is more controlled by its driver, and with a high speed they start racing to be champions, against Thorndyke, who wants the car back. After Thorndyke sabotages one race to win, the big race called the "El Dorado" is on the way, and there is a point when you wonder if Herbie will go to it, but after the apologies, he does. So the two lap gets started, with Thorndyke seeming to cheat his way to the lead, but Jim, Carole and Tennessee in Herbie manage to catch up and eventually win the race. Also starring Joe Flynn as Havershaw, Benson Fong as Mr. Wu, Andy Granatelli as Association President and Joe E. Ross as Detective. The car doesn't have as much personality as perhaps the remake version does, Tomlinson makes a reasonably mean villain, like a live version Dick Dastardly, and the jokes are alright, it is something the family will enjoy, an alright comedy. It was number 94 on The 100 Greatest Family Films. Good!

What to say about this movie its so good and well made its so amazing Disney put more time on this movie then he did with any other Herbie films this one has to be the best in the series its my favorite Herbie movie they put this movie on car who has a mind of its own and I really like Volkswagens and this one has a name he's name Herbie with love in the air and happens in is heart its very funny and fun and it looks so realist. I don't care how many people say how cheesy it is its a amazing Herbie you showed every one love and care you are very fast car you should really get 7.3 out of 10. I now what I am thinking this movie should be rated a 7.3 out of 10 for its true rating who ever rated a 6.3 out of 10 for this movie should be shot its the best in series and by for to be own DVD I have got it on DVD I have not seen it on DVD at the shops for couples time maybe its such a good movie. OK here are some changes I want to see on the rating for this movie I want to see a 7.3 out of 10 for its true rating OK thats good for me and for my rating I give this movie a 10 out of 10. very good this movie brought back one of my childhood.