the computer wore tennis shoes

the year: 1969

the genre: comedy


the cast: Kurt Russell (Dexter); Cesar Romero (A.J. Arno); Joe Flynn (Dean Higgins); Michael McGreevey (Schuyler); William Schallert (Professor Quigley); Richard Bakalyan(Chillie Walsh)


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


don't miss: the students' stint as painters, the thugs daring ride in the dune buggy, and Dean Higgins - he's a peach.


listen for: "I know this! I actually know this!"


did you know: The "campus" shown outside the window of the Dean's office is actually a photograph of buildings in the Walt Disney Studios. This very same backdrop was used during the run of the "Disneyland" television show for scenes shot on the set that served as Walt Disney's "office" when he hosted segments of the program.


also listen for: the groovy music.

weekend in havana

the year: 1942

the genre: musical


the cast: Alice Faye (Nan Spencer); John Payne (Jay Williams); Carmen Miranda (Rosita Rivas); Cesar Romero (Monte Blanca); Cobina Wright (Terry McCracken)


the plot: Ship company employee, Jay Williams, is sent to Florida where one of the company cruise ships is stuck on a reef off of the coast. He obtains waivers from all of the passengers with the exception of Nan Spencer, a department store salesgirl who wants her vacation NOW, not later. Jay is instructed to take Nan to Havana and set her up in the best hotel and keep her entertained - anything to get her signature on the waiver.



don't miss: Jay Williams: tour guide.




watch for: Leonid Kinskey as Rafael the bellhop. He is one of the great character actors of the 30s and 40s - and he's Russian (not Spanish).



listen for: "You are a no good, good-for-nothing. But I like you!"




did you know: Alice Faye was pregnant during the filming of this movie.





extra bonus points: if you can name two other movies in which Alice Faye and Carmen Miranda co-starred.




also listen for: "Aha! Now I have got you where you want me!

happy go lovely

the year: 1951

the genre: musical


the cast: Vera-Ellen (Janet Jones); David Niven (B. G. Bruno); Cesar Romero (John Frost); Diane Hart (Mae)


the plot: In Edinburgh, Scotland, beleaguered American theatrical producer Jack “Frosty” Frost convinces his creditors to give him two more days in which to come up with some money to pay for his latest show. Running late, chorus girl Janet Jones hitchhikes to the theater and is picked up by a friendly chauffeur driving the limousine owned by Scottish millionaire and greeting card giant, B.G. Bruno. When the chauffeur returns to the theater with Janet’s forgotten purse, rumors begin to circulate that she is Bruno's fiancée. Seeing an opportunity, Frosty give Janet the starring role and Madame Amanda, a French dressmaker presents Janet with some expensive clothes. The next day, Bruno, a unadventurous bachelor, receives Madame Amanda's bill and determines to investigate the matter himself. At the theater, Janet mistakes Bruno for Paul Tracy, a reporter who is scheduled to interview her but has not yet arrived, and bemused by the charming American, Bruno does not correct her. And so the fun begins.


count: how many backstage collisions occur between the chorus girl and Frosty.


don’t miss: what the B.G. stands for.


check out: how Mr. Bruno reprimands Dodds for giving Janet a ride.


listen for: “Well, that's where we met. On the pyramids. I mean... near the pyramids, just a little to the left.”


you can watch the movie in parts starting here. And I give you full authority to skip all of the songs - it's one of my new favorite movies WITHOUT the musical numbers. Besides, it's kind of fun to watch Vera-Ellen dance in "fast forward".