Fred MacMurray had a wonderful career with leading roles in all types of films. He had many hit comedies and dramas. He made Westerns, mysteries, action and adventure thrillers, war films and even sang in a couple of movies. Toward the end of his career, he made some family films for Walt Disney and starred in TV series. And, he still did an occasional other film - drama, Western, comedy or other.
"The Absent-Minded Professor" is his second Disney family movie, after the successful 1959 "The Shaggy Dog."
This film was an even bigger box office success. It's a fun family film for kids of all ages. It's a fine comedy with some good trick camera work. A basketball game with the Medfield College team bouncing to the rafters and leaping onto backboards will leave one wondering how Disney filmed those scenes. Besides MacMurray, Keenan Wynn, Nancy Olson, Leon Ames and Elliott Reid add some comedy.
The movie received three Academy Award nominations, for camera work, art and set work and special effects. MacMurray also got a Golden Globe nomination for best actor. That's the only major nomination he ever received. Yet he was a consummate actor in any genre, and one of the best entertainers for several hit comedy films during Hollywood's golden age.
All of MacMurray's films continue to please audiences well into the 21st century. This film is a good one for family time to laugh and smile together. Here are some favorite lines from this film.
Mrs. Chatsworth, "But remember this. The universe is millions and millions and millions of years old. It can wait a little. But girls can't wait."
