The Love Bug

G

Released Dec 24, 1968

1h 47m

Kids & Family

Comedy

List

78%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

66%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

Race car driver Jim Douglas (Dean Jones) and his philosophical mechanic, Tennessee Steinmetz (Buddy Hackett), find themselves in possession of a white Volkswagen Beetle that seems to have a mind and spirit of its own. Calling the car Herbie, Jim and Tennessee become the talk of the California racing circuit -- much to the displeasure of sports-car dealer Peter Thorndyke (David Tomlinson), who tries to use his assistant (Michele Lee) to come between the friends and their car.

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Ben Kern

Minneapolis Star Tribune

After straining to appreciate films of loftier ambitions, I found it relaxing and enjoyable to watch one that is eager to entertain, is better than a green hand at its business, and demands nothing more of the viewer than a modicum of goodwill.

Mar 2, 2022

Full Review

TIME Magazine

The Love Bug is surely the first film in which the actors...are so meticulously insipid that a car can handily steal the show.

Mar 9, 2009

Full Review

Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

The first of the silly VW Beetle with a cute personality comedies, is as childish dated and occasionally sweet as the others.

Rated: 2/5

May 5, 2008

Full Review

David Parkinson

Radio Times

Having shown a flair for fantasy with the evergreen Mary Poppins, director Robert Stevenson here demonstrates a sure slapstick touch.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 12, 2019

Full Review

Polly M. Robertus

Common Sense Media

Kids will fall in love with this spunky Bug.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 2, 2011

Full Review

TV Guide

The entire cast give standout performances, but Herbie steals the show in this well-directed, funny picture.

Rated: 3/4

May 5, 2008

Full Review

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david

Number one kids movie in 1969 Sausage Party number one kids movie in 2016

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/24

Full Review

Eye C

I recall this one from my childhood, and I still like it. A cute movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/05/23

Full Review

Mike W

Everyone needs to watch this movie as a child just for the memory of it when they're an adult.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/24/23

Full Review

Liam D

One of the most important Disney franchises started off as a cute, fun and enjoyable movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/25/22

Full Review

Audience Member

This sports comedy was pretty good. Dean Jones, Michele Lee, David Tomlinson, Buddy Hackett, and the rest of the cast did a pretty good job in this movie. The plot of the movie was pretty entertaining and humorous. It's about getting your self respect back and doing what's right in a funny way. If you're a Disney+ member, you should watch this movie sometime. It's a great movie for an entire family.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

thomas b

I grew up watching the Herbie movies, so getting to see where Disney began this very successful franchise was a lot of fun. It's 1968, so don't expect CARS; however its vintage Disney upbeat charm and amusing characters make it worthwhile for any cultural omnivore.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Robert Stevenson

Director

Dean Jones

Jim Douglas

Michele Lee

Carole Bennett

David Tomlinson

Peter Thorndyke

Buddy Hackett

Tennessee Steinmetz

Joe Flynn

Havershaw

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Synopsis

Race car driver Jim Douglas (Dean Jones) and his philosophical mechanic, Tennessee Steinmetz (Buddy Hackett), find themselves in possession of a white Volkswagen Beetle that seems to have a mind and spirit of its own. Calling the car Herbie, Jim and Tennessee become the talk of the California racing circuit -- much to the displeasure of sports-car dealer Peter Thorndyke (David Tomlinson), who tries to use his assistant (Michele Lee) to come between the friends and their car.

Director: Robert Stevenson
Screenwriter: Bill Walsh, Don DaGradi
Production Co: Walt Disney Productions
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 24, 1968, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Runtime: 1h 47m

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