The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A college student becomes a walking encyclopedia after a computer electrocutes him, then uses his newfound knowledge to foil a gambling ring and win a quiz show, all while wearing tennis shoes (presumably).

🍿 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Medfield College’s Financial Troubles

Medfield College is struggling financially, much to the dismay of Professor Quigley, who desperately needs a new computer to improve the school’s academic standing. Dean Higgins, focused on budgets, denies the request. A group of students, overhearing this, decide to take matters into their own hands.

Dexter’s Electrifying Accident

The students convince A.J. Arno, a local businessman, to donate a computer. When Dexter Riley attempts to repair a faulty component during a rainstorm, he receives a massive electric shock. He’s seemingly unharmed, but the computer is now broken.

The Human Computer

Dexter soon discovers he has acquired the computer’s memory, granting him instant and perfect recall. He becomes a sensation, attracting the attention of rival universities and Arno himself, who realizes the computer contained information about his illegal gambling operations.

Kidnapping and Rescue

Arno, fearing exposure, kidnaps Dexter before an intercollegiate academic contest. Dexter’s friends, realizing the danger, track him down and rescue him in a chaotic sequence involving a paint truck and a dune buggy. They manage to free Dexter just in time for the contest.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dexter Riley (Kurt Russell): A college student who accidentally becomes a human computer after an electrical shock, gaining vast knowledge and becoming a national sensation.
• A.J. Arno (Cesar Romero): A crooked businessman and antagonist who tries to exploit Dexter’s abilities for his gambling operations and hide his illegal activities.
• Dean Higgins (Joe Flynn): The perpetually flustered dean of Medfield College, who seeks to capitalize on Dexter’s newfound intelligence for the school’s benefit.
• Professor Quigley (William Schallert): The student-friendly professor who advocates for the computer and supports Dexter’s abilities, seeking to improve the college’s academic standing.
• Chillie Walsh (Richard Bakalyan): A.J. Arno’s clumsy and somewhat dimwitted right-hand man, tasked with carrying out his boss’s nefarious schemes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dean Higgins: “Don’t you worm me, you worm!” – Said to Dexter when frustrated, highlighting the dean’s temperamental personality.
• Dexter: “(in robotic voice) Applejack.” – Repeated in a trance-like state, revealing the password to Arno’s illegal operations.
• A.J. Arno: “Ah, shaddap.” – Said to a cow after crashing into a haystack while covered in red paint.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $728,653
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being completely captivated by Dexter’s newfound intelligence. The scene where he finishes the exam in five minutes was just mind-blowing! I loved how he used his powers to help his friends. Re-watching it now, it’s still a fun, feel-good movie that brings back so many great memories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a clean, nostalgic comedy”
  • “Fans of Kurt Russell”
  • “Viewers interested in classic Disney live-action films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “None”

Professional Reviews

• Generic Movie Review: “A lighthearted Disney comedy that’s more charming than hilarious. Kurt Russell shines as Dexter, and the supporting cast of lovable goofballs makes for a fun, nostalgic watch. While the plot is predictable, the film’s wholesome humor and positive message make it enjoyable for the whole family.
• Disney Blast From the Past: “Pure Disney magic! It will bring back so many fond memories of your childhood. Great for family movie night and is a must-see if you were/are a Kurt Russell fan. It has a feel-good story and silly humor that will make you laugh.

Audience Reactions

Kurt Russell’s performance is fantastic and engaging.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s lighthearted humor and feel-good story.

The movie is a nostalgic trip back to simpler times.: Many viewers fondly remember watching the film as children and appreciate its family-friendly content.

Overall Consensus: A charming and nostalgic Disney comedy that’s enjoyable for the whole family, thanks to Kurt Russell’s performance and the film’s lighthearted humor, even if the special effects are of the 60’s.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the first of three ‘Dexter Riley’ films starring Kurt Russell, all set at Medfield College and involving some sort of scientific mishap.”
• “The film’s depiction of computers was intentionally exaggerated for comedic effect, showcasing the large, room-sized machines that were becoming more prevalent at the time.”
• “The movie was part of a series of live-action comedies produced by Walt Disney Productions aimed at a teen and family audience.”
• “Cesar Romero, known for his role as The Joker in the ‘Batman’ TV series, played the villain A.J. Arno, adding a recognizable face to the cast.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes?

Currently, “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” can be streamed on Disney+. Purchase options are available through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these services for rental or purchase availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, you might like these similar films:

• The Absent-Minded Professor (1961): Both are classic Disney comedies centered around a quirky professor/student who makes a scientific discovery that leads to humorous situations.
• Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972): The second film in the Dexter Riley trilogy, continuing the adventures of Dexter and his friends at Medfield College with a new high-concept premise.
• Real Genius (1985): A comedic take on college life and scientific genius, focusing on bright students who use their intellect in unconventional ways.

🛒 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Related Products

• The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes [Blu-ray]: A high-definition Blu-ray release of the film, allowing fans to experience the classic comedy in enhanced visual quality. Great for Disney and Kurt Russel fans.
• Retro Medfield College T-Shirt: Show your Medfield pride with this vintage-style t-shirt featuring the college logo from the movie. It’s a fun way to display your fandom.
• Funko Pop! Kurt Russell as Dexter Riley: A Funko Pop! figure featuring Kurt Russell as Dexter Riley, complete with his signature tennis shoes and a computer circuit board accessory. A must have for any Funko Collector!
• The Dexter Riley Collection: 3-Movie Set: Get all three Dexter Riley movies (The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Now You See Him, Now You Don’t, and The Strongest Man in the World) in one digital collection, allowing you to enjoy the complete series anytime, anywhere.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” – performed by Robert F. Brunner and Bruce Belland

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Buena Vista Distribution Co.

Ever wonder what the original Disney logo looked like back then? This short clip gives you a blast from the past, showing the original Buena Vista Distribution logo from the opening of the movie. It’s super short but hits you right in the nostalgia!

WHAT HAPPENED TO ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK

Did you know Kurt Russell started in Disney movies like “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” before becoming Snake Plissken? This video dives into his career and it’s surprising to see his transformation! Who knew he’d become such an action star!

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