The Absent-Minded Professor
The Absent-Minded Professor

Movie spotlight

The Absent-Minded Professor

1961
Movie
96 min
English

Bumbling professor Ned Brainard accidentally invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Google Users79%
Director: Robert StevensonGenres: Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi

Plot Summary

Professor Ned Brainard, a scatterbrained but brilliant scientist, invents a substance called 'Flubber' (flying rubber) that defies gravity. While initially thrilled by his discovery, the professor struggles to keep track of his invention amidst his absent-mindedness, leading to chaotic and comical situations. His newfound power attracts the attention of a ruthless defense contractor, leading to a race against time to protect his invention and his beloved college.

Critical Reception

The Absent-Minded Professor was a commercial success, beloved by audiences for its lighthearted humor and imaginative premise. Critics generally praised its family-friendly entertainment value and Fred MacMurray's charming performance, though some found the plot to be somewhat thin. It remains a fondly remembered Disney classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its whimsical premise and family-friendly comedy.

  • Fred MacMurray's performance as the endearing professor is a highlight.

  • The special effects, particularly Flubber, were innovative for their time and delighted younger audiences.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed the film, appreciating its humor, nostalgic value, and the magical element of Flubber. Many remember it fondly from their childhood and consider it a classic family film. Some, however, found the plot predictable and the humor a bit dated.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Color and Best Film Editing.

Fun Fact

The iconic 'Flubber' material was actually made from a mixture of window cleaner and gelatin, which was then filmed in slow motion to achieve its unique bouncing and stretching effects.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

An amusing film regarding Professor Brainard, a character I've always associated with Robin Williams having seen the 1997 remake first back when I was younger. Fred MacMurray plays the aforementioned in this, the original. He is pleasing...

John Chard

John Chard

Substance X, we dub thee - Flubber! The Absent-Minded Professor is directed by Robert Stevenson and adapted to screenplay by Bill Walsh from a story by Samuel W. Taylor. It stars Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olsen, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Leo...