I put on this movie expecting to mock it for how ridiculous it is and laugh out loud at it stupidity. Surprisingly I actually found myself caring for the characters and what will happen to them. Yes, this movie is quite dumb and yes, it is entirely predictable but it has a certain charming quality to it that makes it entertaining. I don't recommend it to bad movie lovers as it's not terrible, I recommend it to those looking for a harmless, lighthearted movie that will make you smile a few times.
25 Reviews
I'm Just Gonzo For Bonzo
bkoganbing31 March 2012
When Ronald Reagan, B picture actor became the 40th president of the United States on the way there he took a lot of criticism about his former profession as thespian. He always preferred his identification with the motion picture industry to be symbolized by playing George Gipp in Knute Rockne, All American. His supporters always referred to him as the Gipper. But his detractors always used Bedtime For Bonzo as the quintessential Reagan film.
It's both the title and the fact that Reagan is playing second fiddle to a young chimpanzee in the film that seem to resonate. Professors Reagan and Walter Slezak are conducting experiments as to just how close are the chimpanzees to man on the evolutionary scale. Reagan takes Bonzo home to live with him and treats him like a child and not a pet. For said experiment Bonzo needs a mother and Diana Lynn answers an advertisement for a chimp's mom.
It works out well on the scientific end, but plays havoc with Reagan's love life as he's slightly engaged to Lucille Barkley, daughter of college dean, Herbert Hayes. And Hayes just got an offer from Yale for Bonzo, but neither Reagan or Lynn want to part with him.
As a pet owner I can understand that, but the film does try to sell the point of view that Bonzo is more than a pet. That's a bit much for me to swallow.
Still Bedtime For Bonzo is an innocuous and pleasant comedy and could probably be remade today. Can you see Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie being Bonzo's parents?
It's both the title and the fact that Reagan is playing second fiddle to a young chimpanzee in the film that seem to resonate. Professors Reagan and Walter Slezak are conducting experiments as to just how close are the chimpanzees to man on the evolutionary scale. Reagan takes Bonzo home to live with him and treats him like a child and not a pet. For said experiment Bonzo needs a mother and Diana Lynn answers an advertisement for a chimp's mom.
It works out well on the scientific end, but plays havoc with Reagan's love life as he's slightly engaged to Lucille Barkley, daughter of college dean, Herbert Hayes. And Hayes just got an offer from Yale for Bonzo, but neither Reagan or Lynn want to part with him.
As a pet owner I can understand that, but the film does try to sell the point of view that Bonzo is more than a pet. That's a bit much for me to swallow.
Still Bedtime For Bonzo is an innocuous and pleasant comedy and could probably be remade today. Can you see Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie being Bonzo's parents?
Meh. This is one movie not worth going ape for. Regardless, it doesn't deserve all the hate. It was decent enough to watch.
ironhorse_iv28 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Often used by late night host Johnny Carson on 'The Tonight Show', as a joke for then-President Ronald Reagan during the 1980s. This movie directed by Frederick De Cordova who also produce Carson's show, is one film not worth going bananas over. Don't get me wrong, the movie isn't horrible to a point that even Jane Goodall would had disowned it. Much of the criticism for this fluff film was blown way out of proportion. There were only a few cringe worthy moments in the movie, where jokes about suicide was in bad taste. The flick was mostly harmless. It was just a little too silly for my taste, even with its supposedly smart debate on education, genetics, and emotional stability. After all, the plot revolves around psychology professor Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan), trying to teach human morals to a chimpanzee by parenting it, using 1950s era child rearing techniques, hoping to solve the "nature versus nurture" question with the help of his assistant, Jane Linden (Diana Lynn). Without spoiling the film too much, 'Bedtime for Bonzo' was truly exaggerated to an unrealistic degree. The idea that criminal traits are hereditary just doesn't passed today. Back then, it's possible to believe that, as little is known about the subject. However, the supposedly serious thought provoking discussions throughout the film does come across as a bit laughable, when view through modern day eyes. Nevertheless, that wasn't the biggest problem I had with the film. One thing that really bug me with this movie, along with other similar dated animal-oriented family comedies, is the fact that Bonzo (Peggy the Chimp) already understands the majority of human speech to a tee, without the use of sign language or much sight gestures. Don't get me wrong, it's generally accepted that apes can trained to comprehend human language to a certain level. However, the film never shows much of Bonzo's previous life. I doubt he was ever trained. After all, he's supposed to be a few months old. So, to see the characters talk to him without sign language is truly unbelievable. Why? It's because, it is highly disputed whether they can form syntax in their brain to understand grammar or symbolic speech. Regardless if Bonzo truly comprehend, what the human characters were saying to him; the female chimp, they used in the film was well train in cooperation to the point that they were able to dressed it up in humans clothing and have it perform scenes. Since this, animal rights groups have urged a stop to this practice, considering it animal abuse. So, seeing such acts like a chimp in a cowboy costume, riding a tricycle is now pretty rare to witness. I kinda glad I saw it here. Hopefully there wasn't any animal cruelty when making this film. If so, it probably get more of a downgrade. As of right now, I found the things that the people got the chimp to do in the film as kinda cute & amazing, rather than disturbing and cruel. Nevertheless, the ape in the film, truly did stand out. As for the Great Communicator; he was never that great of a thespian actor. He was better as a radio host. Regardless, he was fine as Professor Peter Boyd. Also, it's really not that embarrassing of a part. After all, Cary Grant played an almost identical character the following year, in Howard Hawks' 1952 film 'Monkey Business'. There is nothing to be ashamed of. The same goes with the supporting cast. Diana Lynn as Jane Linden & Walter Slezak as Prof. Neumann were very charming. I just wish the film didn't made them seem so dumb founded. The only disappointments were Herbert Heyes and Lucille Barkley as the Tillinghasts. The Dean and his daughter, Valerie were very straw characters. Highly forgettable. Regardless, a 1952 sequel was made called 'Bonzo Goes to College'. Sadly, it featured none of the three lead performers from the original, including Peggy, whom died in a zoo fire two weeks after the release of the first movie. Nevertheless, while, there are countless better similar family friendly chimp flicks out there, such as 2011 documentary 'Project Nim'. 'Bedtime for Bonzo' is still one campy light-hearted movie that is surprisingly very enjoyable even today. Presented in its original full frame format in an excellent black and white transfer with little signs of wear and tear. It is one film alright enough, to get out of your bed to go see.
An underappreciated movie
econchie4 December 2002
Sure, it's a bit corny and "preachy" by today's standards, but when I watched it for the first time, I was somewhat impressed. When taken in the context of it's time (the early fifties), it stands up fairly well. Ronald Reagan was a better actor than he is given credit for by many people.
Absurd but Oddly Historical
theflyingsaucers4 July 2006
In this film, only remembered because it stars a president, Ronald Regan as a teacher must disprove the theory of his girlfriends father that people are either born bad or born good. so in order to disprove this theory Ronnie takes a chimp under his wing to teach it right and wrong "To Do Good Without Hope Of Reward! To Avoid Wrong Without Fear Of Punishment! A CHANCE MY FATHER NEVER HAD" this film taken under the context of the modern political system is quite funny with the evolution debate still going on and the symbol for the republican party trying to teach a monkey human feeling. This film is not great! but it is entertaining for its historical relevance(?), well the Ramones did get the title Bonzo Goes To Bitberg from this movie so thats one good thing.
this movie is better than all the negative hype makes it sound
planktonrules9 June 2005
Am I going to say this is a fantastic movie or high art? Of course not. However, over the years a sort of lore has emerged that is WAY OUT OF PROPORTION to the quality of the movie. Mostly because of Johhny Carson's repeated jokes at the expense of the movie during the Reagan years, people have incorrectly assumed it is a bad flick and that is far from true! It is, in fact, a cute family movie that's amazingly good for what it is. The story is very simple and engaging despite it being a chimp movie. A professor (Reagan) wants to show that people are a product of their upbringing not genetics. This is because the professor's father was a criminal and he desperately wants to prove that goodness is a learned choice, not pre-determined. He gets the idea to bring a chimp into his home and try to teach him right from wrong BUT because he is just a single man, he hires a woman (Diana Lynn) to pose as the mommy and he becomes Bonzo's surrogate dad. It's actually quite well-made fluff, and the President had no reason to be ashamed of this movie (though there were several films that I would argue might have brought him SOME shame).
Is There a Monkey in the House?
wes-connors24 August 2007
Ronald Reagan is a college professor who seeks to prove "nurture' more important than "nature" by playing house with Diana Lynn (surrogate mother) and Chimpanzee - Bonzo. The homey environment will prove "bad" monkeys can be "good" monkeys (just like people) with a little family love and understanding! The premise is ludicrous, of course - but, it's really only done to set-up a situation to make a movie starring Bonzo the Chimp. Bonzo is fine. How is he supposed to know the story is illogical?
Since it has a chimpanzee to share scenes with, the movie is disjointed - for example, witness this sequence: Bonzo escapes into a tree, is joined by Reagan in an obviously different tree, drops eyeglasses to nowhere, jumps into the house in time for the next scene, then shocks everyone by escaping from the house! It all manages to looks even worse than it is; assisted, obviously, by a low budget.
** Bedtime for Bonzo (1951) Frederick De Cordova ~ Ronald Reagan, Diana Lynn, Walter Slezak
Since it has a chimpanzee to share scenes with, the movie is disjointed - for example, witness this sequence: Bonzo escapes into a tree, is joined by Reagan in an obviously different tree, drops eyeglasses to nowhere, jumps into the house in time for the next scene, then shocks everyone by escaping from the house! It all manages to looks even worse than it is; assisted, obviously, by a low budget.
** Bedtime for Bonzo (1951) Frederick De Cordova ~ Ronald Reagan, Diana Lynn, Walter Slezak
Hang Out with Bonzo
JLRMovieReviews9 November 2009
Are we a product of our surroundings or are we born the way we are going to be? This issue is the driving force behind this intelligent and thought-provoking film that delves into what other films only think about doing.
Okay, now really. If you want a pleasant, family-oriented fun little film, then this is for you. Been made fun of as one of Reagan's bombs, it's not nearly as bad as it might sound.
When a university professor is judged for his father's criminal tendencies, he is insulted and proceeds to conduct an experiment with Bonzo, the college lab "mascot" to see if a chimp can be taught right and wrong. Diana Lynn (from Martin & Lewis' "My Friend Irma" and "You're Never Too Young") is perfect as the "nanny" hired to help out with Bonzo. Reagan is engaged to the dean's daughter, but well, you can guess the rest. So, sit back and let Bonzo swing from tree to tree and forget your troubles.
Okay, now really. If you want a pleasant, family-oriented fun little film, then this is for you. Been made fun of as one of Reagan's bombs, it's not nearly as bad as it might sound.
When a university professor is judged for his father's criminal tendencies, he is insulted and proceeds to conduct an experiment with Bonzo, the college lab "mascot" to see if a chimp can be taught right and wrong. Diana Lynn (from Martin & Lewis' "My Friend Irma" and "You're Never Too Young") is perfect as the "nanny" hired to help out with Bonzo. Reagan is engaged to the dean's daughter, but well, you can guess the rest. So, sit back and let Bonzo swing from tree to tree and forget your troubles.
Actually Quite Entertaining
mikemoto12 January 2000
I found this to be a rather cute comedy, which has gotten a bit of a strange reputation owing to the fact that the "Gipper" plays an unusual role. But Reagan does play comedy well (it's unfortunate that he didn't make more comedies in his day), and Walter Slezak is amusing in a nice, if a bit stereotypical kind of part as his German professor/mentor.
"The difference between right and wrong(...) by getting him to do right without hope for reward, to avoid wrong without fear of punishment."
oOoBarracuda12 August 2016
Having never seen Ronald Reagan's acting chops, I didn't know what to expect when strapping in for Frederick De Cordova's 1951 feature, Bedtime for Bonzo. Starring the strapping future president of the United States, along with Diana Lynn, Bedtime for Bonzo tells the story of a young psychology professor trying to overcome the stigma his father's life casts over his own. Only films from the 1950's can deal with such complex issues, turn them into comedies, and still teach and reach an outcome that no textbook could duplicate. There's more than meets the eye in this film, and in its star, who I had only ever known from history books.
Life is going well for young Professor Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan). He is enjoying a fulfilling career at the university, he is engaged to the dean's daughter, Dr. Valerie Tillinghast (Lucille Barkley) and has a great friendship with Professor Hans Neumann (Walter Slezak). All is right until the rug is pulled out from under his life by a former associate, well, a cellmate of Peter's father. Revealing to the dean that Peter's father was imprisoned, he instantly believes that Peter is destined to descend into criminal behavior. Believing the common theory of the time that criminal behavior is genetic rather than a learned trait, Dean Tillinghast (Herbert Heyes) instantly calls off the engagement between Peter and his daughter. Disgusted by the actions of the dean, and eager to prove himself worthy of his daughter, all the while seeking to prove that environment dictates criminal behavior rather than genetics, Peter vows to conduct an experiment in which even a monkey will learn right from wrong, as long as his environment is fulfilling. A monkey is exactly what he gets too, as Professor Neumann has a chimpanzee in his care to conduct experiments with at the college. Quickly realizing that he needs help, and a mother figure to make the experiment work, Peter puts out an add for a caretaker for Bonzo. When a young Jane Linden (Diana Lynn) answers the add and is undaunted by the task of caring for a monkey instead of a child, she is instantly hired and the experiment begins. As the experiment progresses, so do feelings between Peter and Jane, as Peter becomes more distraught that he has to prove himself to his prospective father-in-law. Valerie also reveals what her environment and genetics have resulted in her as she becomes more engrossed with status and what people are thinking about Peter and his work. Environment proves to be a more important factor for the people in Bonzo's life than it ever was for Bonzo, and the experiment yields wonderful results beyond expectations.
What an intro to Ronald Reagan! A looker to rival contemporaries such as Cary Grant, one quickly wonders what would have become, had Reagan not veered into politics. Something I very much enjoy about movies from the 1950's is the depth of plot they implore. It's not as common today to deal with something as complex as genetics theory or learned traits such as in this film. Sprinkling in some comedy, movies from this decade towed the line with their ability to bring such topics to full attention while still creating an enjoyable film. What is better than classic film scores? Bedtime for Bonzo was filled with the harmonic sounds so seminal to films from this era, which are always a joy to revisit. A wholesome film with a potent message, Bedtime for Bonzo is a film that can be enjoyed with the whole family, even 65 years after its initial release.
Life is going well for young Professor Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan). He is enjoying a fulfilling career at the university, he is engaged to the dean's daughter, Dr. Valerie Tillinghast (Lucille Barkley) and has a great friendship with Professor Hans Neumann (Walter Slezak). All is right until the rug is pulled out from under his life by a former associate, well, a cellmate of Peter's father. Revealing to the dean that Peter's father was imprisoned, he instantly believes that Peter is destined to descend into criminal behavior. Believing the common theory of the time that criminal behavior is genetic rather than a learned trait, Dean Tillinghast (Herbert Heyes) instantly calls off the engagement between Peter and his daughter. Disgusted by the actions of the dean, and eager to prove himself worthy of his daughter, all the while seeking to prove that environment dictates criminal behavior rather than genetics, Peter vows to conduct an experiment in which even a monkey will learn right from wrong, as long as his environment is fulfilling. A monkey is exactly what he gets too, as Professor Neumann has a chimpanzee in his care to conduct experiments with at the college. Quickly realizing that he needs help, and a mother figure to make the experiment work, Peter puts out an add for a caretaker for Bonzo. When a young Jane Linden (Diana Lynn) answers the add and is undaunted by the task of caring for a monkey instead of a child, she is instantly hired and the experiment begins. As the experiment progresses, so do feelings between Peter and Jane, as Peter becomes more distraught that he has to prove himself to his prospective father-in-law. Valerie also reveals what her environment and genetics have resulted in her as she becomes more engrossed with status and what people are thinking about Peter and his work. Environment proves to be a more important factor for the people in Bonzo's life than it ever was for Bonzo, and the experiment yields wonderful results beyond expectations.
What an intro to Ronald Reagan! A looker to rival contemporaries such as Cary Grant, one quickly wonders what would have become, had Reagan not veered into politics. Something I very much enjoy about movies from the 1950's is the depth of plot they implore. It's not as common today to deal with something as complex as genetics theory or learned traits such as in this film. Sprinkling in some comedy, movies from this decade towed the line with their ability to bring such topics to full attention while still creating an enjoyable film. What is better than classic film scores? Bedtime for Bonzo was filled with the harmonic sounds so seminal to films from this era, which are always a joy to revisit. A wholesome film with a potent message, Bedtime for Bonzo is a film that can be enjoyed with the whole family, even 65 years after its initial release.
Nice family comedy
SimonJack15 March 2014
"Bedtime for Bonzo" is a light comedy that's fit for the whole family. One doesn't have to be a child to enjoy the antics of the co-star chimpanzee, Bonzo. The plot, acting and technical aspects of this film are all good. This is a nice look at Diana Lynn who played the female lead, Jane Linden. She was a child protégé pianist at age 10. She was a very capable and promising actress whose career was cut short. After being in several movies and a number of TV films and programs, she took a short respite from acting in 1964 while raising a family with her second husband in New York. She had just returned to Hollywood in 1971 with a part in a new film, but she suffered a stroke and died before filming began. She was 45.
The adults will enjoy some of the witty dialog as well. Here are some lines that made me laugh. Professor Neumann (Walter Slezak) to Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan): "Who expects a psychologist to think? Especially when you're so busy thinking what you think other people are thinking?" Prof. Neumann to Jane (Diana Lynn): "And now they've come to take Bonzo." Jane: "To jail?" Professor: "No, to Yale." Again, Prof. Neumann to Jane: "You're no dope, Jane. You couldn't be. You don't have a university degree, and you don't teach logic."
Watching this move again after many years, I was reminded of recent television shows about home videos. So many of those were of pets, zoo animals and animals on the farm and in the backyard. It may still be on the air – but I watch very little TV. Interest in animals in the movies and on TV seems to ebb and flow.
The decades of the 1950s and 1960s saw a number of movies and TV series made with animal co-stars. The highly successful Francis the Talking Mule made five successful movies from 1951 – 1955. Donald O'Connor was the male lead in those films, each of which had different female stars. "Mr. Ed," was a talking horse that starred in a six-year TV comedy series by the same name. Alan Young was the male lead for the series that had 144 episodes plus an unaired pilot. Many people have grown up watching Lassie or Rin Tin Tin films. Other films have had a variety of animal co-stars: horses, deer, bears, lions, wolves, and more. Of course, animation has resulted in some huge blockbuster films for kids of all ages. Judging from the comedy lines in some of those, I wonder if they aren't targeted more for older audiences.
Anyway, "Bedtime for Bonzo" should be a fun movie for folks of all ages.
The adults will enjoy some of the witty dialog as well. Here are some lines that made me laugh. Professor Neumann (Walter Slezak) to Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan): "Who expects a psychologist to think? Especially when you're so busy thinking what you think other people are thinking?" Prof. Neumann to Jane (Diana Lynn): "And now they've come to take Bonzo." Jane: "To jail?" Professor: "No, to Yale." Again, Prof. Neumann to Jane: "You're no dope, Jane. You couldn't be. You don't have a university degree, and you don't teach logic."
Watching this move again after many years, I was reminded of recent television shows about home videos. So many of those were of pets, zoo animals and animals on the farm and in the backyard. It may still be on the air – but I watch very little TV. Interest in animals in the movies and on TV seems to ebb and flow.
The decades of the 1950s and 1960s saw a number of movies and TV series made with animal co-stars. The highly successful Francis the Talking Mule made five successful movies from 1951 – 1955. Donald O'Connor was the male lead in those films, each of which had different female stars. "Mr. Ed," was a talking horse that starred in a six-year TV comedy series by the same name. Alan Young was the male lead for the series that had 144 episodes plus an unaired pilot. Many people have grown up watching Lassie or Rin Tin Tin films. Other films have had a variety of animal co-stars: horses, deer, bears, lions, wolves, and more. Of course, animation has resulted in some huge blockbuster films for kids of all ages. Judging from the comedy lines in some of those, I wonder if they aren't targeted more for older audiences.
Anyway, "Bedtime for Bonzo" should be a fun movie for folks of all ages.
Finding Some Value in This Piece of Fluff
theowinthrop27 November 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Not every movie in Ronald Reagan's career was KING'S ROW; KNUTE ROCKNE; THE HASTY HEART; THE VOICE OF THE TURTLE; or SANTA-FE TRAIL. Some were worthy films where his roles were not too memorable or central: BOY MEETS GIRL (starring James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, and Ralph Bellamy); DARK VICTORY (with Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Geraldine Fitzgerald, and George Brent); and LOUISE (with Spring Byington, Charles Coburn, and Edmund Gwenn).
But BEDTIME FOR BONZO got an unfair spin on his film reputation. Reagan was not a great thespian. He was above average as a film actor. But here he was co-starred with Bonzo the Chimp and that was too good a subject for political foes to overlook. I think the first one to use the Chimp as a weapon against Reagan was Johnny Carson, especially since Fred De Cordoba (his producer) was also the producer of BEDTIME FOR BONZO.
Yet the unfairness of this is that the film is better than the fact that Reagan was playing with a chimp. Reagan's co-star is not Bonzo, but Diane Lynn and Walter Slezak (in one of his nice, comic parts). Reagan wants to marry Lynn, but her father is upset (and snobbish) about Regan's father being a criminal. He is afraid of the potential genetic effect on his descendants. Reagan gets involved in taking care of Bonzo in order to demonstrate that he's a good father, and that nurturing and a loving environment can overcome genetic defects. Bonzo is one of the college chimps used by the science labs, and so Slezak is involved (as a comic caricature of Albert Einstein).
Believe it or not, BEDTIME FOR BONZO is actually a film about a debate on education, genetics, and emotional stability. Oddly enough another more popular comedy is similar to this too. TRADING PLACES has a similar question concerning changing the social places and classes of Dan Ackroyd and Eddie Murphy in that $1.00 bet between Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche.
BEDTIME FOR BONZO's screenplay suggests that nurturing works. It is a simple little comedy, with Reagan's problems being directly caused by Bonzo or as a result of complications due to having to care for Bonzo. It is pleasant fluff, but it is curious that it has such a scientific/philosophical question in the background. Reagan must have had an idea of it's worth as a film as much as the public did. He said that he thought the script for BEDTIME FOR BONZO was a decent one, but the sequel (BONZO GOES TO COLLEGE) was a silly one, so he would not do that film.
But BEDTIME FOR BONZO got an unfair spin on his film reputation. Reagan was not a great thespian. He was above average as a film actor. But here he was co-starred with Bonzo the Chimp and that was too good a subject for political foes to overlook. I think the first one to use the Chimp as a weapon against Reagan was Johnny Carson, especially since Fred De Cordoba (his producer) was also the producer of BEDTIME FOR BONZO.
Yet the unfairness of this is that the film is better than the fact that Reagan was playing with a chimp. Reagan's co-star is not Bonzo, but Diane Lynn and Walter Slezak (in one of his nice, comic parts). Reagan wants to marry Lynn, but her father is upset (and snobbish) about Regan's father being a criminal. He is afraid of the potential genetic effect on his descendants. Reagan gets involved in taking care of Bonzo in order to demonstrate that he's a good father, and that nurturing and a loving environment can overcome genetic defects. Bonzo is one of the college chimps used by the science labs, and so Slezak is involved (as a comic caricature of Albert Einstein).
Believe it or not, BEDTIME FOR BONZO is actually a film about a debate on education, genetics, and emotional stability. Oddly enough another more popular comedy is similar to this too. TRADING PLACES has a similar question concerning changing the social places and classes of Dan Ackroyd and Eddie Murphy in that $1.00 bet between Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche.
BEDTIME FOR BONZO's screenplay suggests that nurturing works. It is a simple little comedy, with Reagan's problems being directly caused by Bonzo or as a result of complications due to having to care for Bonzo. It is pleasant fluff, but it is curious that it has such a scientific/philosophical question in the background. Reagan must have had an idea of it's worth as a film as much as the public did. He said that he thought the script for BEDTIME FOR BONZO was a decent one, but the sequel (BONZO GOES TO COLLEGE) was a silly one, so he would not do that film.
Amusing monkey business is better than one might think...
Doylenf24 August 2007
RONALD REAGAN had his fair share of comedies during his stay at Warner Bros. as a contract player--but it wasn't until he went to Universal for BEDTIME FOR BONZO that he took so much kidding for appearing in what is actually an amusing comedy co-starring him with a chimp, especially after he became president. However, the film does have a good share of laughs and Reagan acquits himself in professional fashion.
What little plot there is hinges on Reagan's determination to raise Bonzo in a loving environment and prove that with nurturing and a sense of family, he can teach the chimp to respect rules and develop a moral sense of behavior. He and pretty Diana Lynn play the mama and papa roles with Diana gradually falling in love--and Reagan not realizing he's engaged to the wrong gal.
It's all very predictable but fun while it lasts, mainly because Bonzo gets to wreck havoc in a number of amusing scenes.
It's strictly for laughs and emerges as a harmless trifle in Reagan's career. Best segment is the last part of the film which has Bonzo robbing a jewelry store and then, because of his reformation by Reagan and Lynn, able to obey their command to return the necklace to the store which has everyone mystified as to how he accomplished it. It makes for a good finale--and so does the romantic happy ending.
What little plot there is hinges on Reagan's determination to raise Bonzo in a loving environment and prove that with nurturing and a sense of family, he can teach the chimp to respect rules and develop a moral sense of behavior. He and pretty Diana Lynn play the mama and papa roles with Diana gradually falling in love--and Reagan not realizing he's engaged to the wrong gal.
It's all very predictable but fun while it lasts, mainly because Bonzo gets to wreck havoc in a number of amusing scenes.
It's strictly for laughs and emerges as a harmless trifle in Reagan's career. Best segment is the last part of the film which has Bonzo robbing a jewelry store and then, because of his reformation by Reagan and Lynn, able to obey their command to return the necklace to the store which has everyone mystified as to how he accomplished it. It makes for a good finale--and so does the romantic happy ending.
It takes just one monkey to steal the show
sol121826 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
(Some Spoilers) Trying to prove that environment and parenting is the key to what we become in life Sheridan Collage psychology professor Peter Boyd, Ronald Reagan, takes on a Herculean task in showing that the cute but somewhat neurotic chimp Bonzo can be straightened out in a good and loving home.
Not having any male or female chimps around to adopt Bonzo Prof. Boyd decides to act as Bonzo's dad and hires 23 year-old baby-sitter Jane Linden, Diana Lynn, as the chimps surrogate mom. Prof. Boyd has himself beaten the odds by becoming an upstanding citizen and collage professor despite his dad being the legendary con artist "Silky" Boyd who spent the last twenty years of his life behind bars. To Prof. Boyd Bonzo getting over his anxieties with his and Jane's guidance would be a lead pipe cinch but it just didn't turn out the way that he expected.
Together with his friend at the collage Prof. Neumann, Walter Slezak, Boyd secretly gets Bonzo to stay with him at his home but his animal instincts are far more stronger then both professors ever expected. Tearing the place apart Bonzo just does what he wants until Jane's understanding and nurturing of the wild and uncontrollable primate gets him to act about as human and responsible as most of us.
While all this is happening Boyd's engagement to the head of Sheridan Collage Dean Tillinghast, Herbert Hayes, daughter Valerie, Lucille Barkley, goes downhill with her suspecting that he's involved with another woman. Boyd's spends so much time with Bonzo that he neglects Valerie to the point where she comes over to his home and finds Bonzo's governess a 23 year old blond not an elderly farm girl, or woman, who raised five children that her soon to be fiancée Boyd told her.
As you would expect Bonzo saves the day and Peter Boyd from serving a stretch in the pen for jewel robbery by both taking a diamond necklace and then returning it showing the police that Boyd, who had the jewels on him, wasn't the culprit. Bonzo of course had no idea that he committed a crime by breaking into the Dewitt Jewelry Store and taking the necklace thinking that it was as innocent an act as picking a stack of bananas off a banana tree. It was in fact Jane who taught Bonzo not to take what's not his and she, after running out of Boyd, came back to get Bonzo to prove Boyds innocence by returning the necklace to it's proper owner.
Everything turns out all right at the end of the movie with Bonzo not only getting Peter Boyd off the hook but also being saved from ending up as an animal experiment at Yale University where Dean Tillinghast had him slated to be shipped. Peter Boyd also was saved from marrying the very stuck up Valerie, who saw that she wasn't right for him, and ending up heading to the altar with his new and true love Jane Linen.
Ronald Reagan took a lot of flack about his acting in the movie were he played a second banana to the lovable and mischievous chimp Bonzo. Reagan was in fact as good as any actor could have been under the circumstances and came across both funny and dramatic in all the scenes that he was in. Chimps like Bonzo are notorious scene stealer's and have a reputation of making their human co-stars look second rate which is why so many top actors and actresses avoid doing movies with them. You'll never see an actor of the caliber of a Laurence Olivier John Barrymore or Marlon Brando in a film with a chimp knowing that they'll, more then the chimp, not only end up looking like a monkeys uncle but be made to look more like a monkey by the monkey that their co-staring with.
Not having any male or female chimps around to adopt Bonzo Prof. Boyd decides to act as Bonzo's dad and hires 23 year-old baby-sitter Jane Linden, Diana Lynn, as the chimps surrogate mom. Prof. Boyd has himself beaten the odds by becoming an upstanding citizen and collage professor despite his dad being the legendary con artist "Silky" Boyd who spent the last twenty years of his life behind bars. To Prof. Boyd Bonzo getting over his anxieties with his and Jane's guidance would be a lead pipe cinch but it just didn't turn out the way that he expected.
Together with his friend at the collage Prof. Neumann, Walter Slezak, Boyd secretly gets Bonzo to stay with him at his home but his animal instincts are far more stronger then both professors ever expected. Tearing the place apart Bonzo just does what he wants until Jane's understanding and nurturing of the wild and uncontrollable primate gets him to act about as human and responsible as most of us.
While all this is happening Boyd's engagement to the head of Sheridan Collage Dean Tillinghast, Herbert Hayes, daughter Valerie, Lucille Barkley, goes downhill with her suspecting that he's involved with another woman. Boyd's spends so much time with Bonzo that he neglects Valerie to the point where she comes over to his home and finds Bonzo's governess a 23 year old blond not an elderly farm girl, or woman, who raised five children that her soon to be fiancée Boyd told her.
As you would expect Bonzo saves the day and Peter Boyd from serving a stretch in the pen for jewel robbery by both taking a diamond necklace and then returning it showing the police that Boyd, who had the jewels on him, wasn't the culprit. Bonzo of course had no idea that he committed a crime by breaking into the Dewitt Jewelry Store and taking the necklace thinking that it was as innocent an act as picking a stack of bananas off a banana tree. It was in fact Jane who taught Bonzo not to take what's not his and she, after running out of Boyd, came back to get Bonzo to prove Boyds innocence by returning the necklace to it's proper owner.
Everything turns out all right at the end of the movie with Bonzo not only getting Peter Boyd off the hook but also being saved from ending up as an animal experiment at Yale University where Dean Tillinghast had him slated to be shipped. Peter Boyd also was saved from marrying the very stuck up Valerie, who saw that she wasn't right for him, and ending up heading to the altar with his new and true love Jane Linen.
Ronald Reagan took a lot of flack about his acting in the movie were he played a second banana to the lovable and mischievous chimp Bonzo. Reagan was in fact as good as any actor could have been under the circumstances and came across both funny and dramatic in all the scenes that he was in. Chimps like Bonzo are notorious scene stealer's and have a reputation of making their human co-stars look second rate which is why so many top actors and actresses avoid doing movies with them. You'll never see an actor of the caliber of a Laurence Olivier John Barrymore or Marlon Brando in a film with a chimp knowing that they'll, more then the chimp, not only end up looking like a monkeys uncle but be made to look more like a monkey by the monkey that their co-staring with.
I do believe some have downgraded this for political reasons
meaninglessname3 August 2023
People on the left who don't like Reagan, people on the right who think the movie is degrading to Reagan. In either case I wonder if they bothered to watch it. Historic note: back in the 70s anti-Reagan people scheduled showings of this film in the belief that it made Reagan look foolish, until they realized that he was quite engaging and likable in the movie.
In case you're worried that a movie about raising a chimp like a human child in an experiment to prove that environment is more important than heredity might be a bit too heavy or gloomy, don't be. This is strictly comedy all the way with a little romance thrown in.
Reagan and colleagues are all fine but Bonzo steals the show. I'm not claiming he's an actor but he shows off the mental and physical abilities of chimps that we've since become more familiar with, while being cute and endearing.
I realize that the chimp playing Bonzo was just a child and adult chimps are a bit too hard to handle to keep as pets but this is the kind of movie that makes you wish that you could.
In case you're worried that a movie about raising a chimp like a human child in an experiment to prove that environment is more important than heredity might be a bit too heavy or gloomy, don't be. This is strictly comedy all the way with a little romance thrown in.
Reagan and colleagues are all fine but Bonzo steals the show. I'm not claiming he's an actor but he shows off the mental and physical abilities of chimps that we've since become more familiar with, while being cute and endearing.
I realize that the chimp playing Bonzo was just a child and adult chimps are a bit too hard to handle to keep as pets but this is the kind of movie that makes you wish that you could.
Not what you might expect
NinotchkaYakushova1 February 2014
There has been a lot of negative stuff over the years about this film... It really is much funnier than you might expect...And a lot of it is done with an ironic tongue in cheek...If you decide to see it...Do so with an open mind! Ronald Reagan is more than competent in his leading role...A rather interesting accomplishment when you consider he had to play opposite a Chimp! At times the production values do leave a bit to be desired, but then, you could make the same comment about a LOT of films that are over 60 years old! It's not the most original film in the history of the cinema...But it certainly is much better than most!
Of presidents and chimps
hereontheoutside18 July 2007
I'm going to be honest; I kind of liked this movie. I, until a few weeks ago, had no idea that this film even existed, I'd only heard the phrase, "Bedtime for Bonzo," uttered by grandparents on a few scattered occasions. But after it was recommended to me, and I began to talk about it, I've realized that countless people of my generation have heard their parents and grandparents speak these words, and have no idea about the movie. So I couldn't resist finding out what the catalyst for this cliché really was.
Which brings me to my second issue in reviewing this film. Where do I come from? Or, rather, what angle? It's been pretty much universally panned by significant critics as well as in member reviews on sites like Netflix, Flixster, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, etc. etc. But how do you write about a movie in which a future U.S. President has kidnapped a monkey from a university in order to impress the dean, who he wishes will become his future father-in-law? One of the key scenes in this film, one where I would say a lot of the meaning is hidden is when The Gipper is up in a tree chasing Bonzo. But Bonzo is much smarter than our 40th president; he has climbed onto the roof, stolen Ronnie's glasses from his bureau drawer and is climbing on the phone wires, after he dials 911. The police and fire department show up and help Ronnie down the tree, and he begins to tell them that he was chasing a monkey with glass and clothes. They don't believe him, obviously, because that's how films work, if everyone agreed and worked together you get 'Batman and Robin,' which we can all agree is no fun to watch. Ah, America. That's all. Didn't thrill you? That's basically how the whole film is. It's got a certain camp appeal, which is definitely working for it. It's really just the notion of watching a president take care of a monkey and treat it like a baby that's so appealing. But the novelty never wears off. Really. I could have watch two more hours of it and not gotten bored. Outside of that camp aspect it's a comedy of values wherein Ronnie learns that the woman he was going for, trying to impress with the monkey stunt, is not for him and that the woman he hired as a nanny for Bonzo is really more his style, more wholesome. There's not much in the way of plot, or interesting shots, or anything really. It's an old studio film. Don't expect too much. But I think if all of America were forced to watch this we may have not allowed the Terminator to become Governor of California. And I won't persecute, that goes for Minnesota and Jesse "The Body" Venture as well. My suggestion after watching this: serialize it. I want a whole series of films where ex-presidents have a live-in week with Bonzo, allow zaniness to ensue, cut and print.
Which brings me to my second issue in reviewing this film. Where do I come from? Or, rather, what angle? It's been pretty much universally panned by significant critics as well as in member reviews on sites like Netflix, Flixster, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, etc. etc. But how do you write about a movie in which a future U.S. President has kidnapped a monkey from a university in order to impress the dean, who he wishes will become his future father-in-law? One of the key scenes in this film, one where I would say a lot of the meaning is hidden is when The Gipper is up in a tree chasing Bonzo. But Bonzo is much smarter than our 40th president; he has climbed onto the roof, stolen Ronnie's glasses from his bureau drawer and is climbing on the phone wires, after he dials 911. The police and fire department show up and help Ronnie down the tree, and he begins to tell them that he was chasing a monkey with glass and clothes. They don't believe him, obviously, because that's how films work, if everyone agreed and worked together you get 'Batman and Robin,' which we can all agree is no fun to watch. Ah, America. That's all. Didn't thrill you? That's basically how the whole film is. It's got a certain camp appeal, which is definitely working for it. It's really just the notion of watching a president take care of a monkey and treat it like a baby that's so appealing. But the novelty never wears off. Really. I could have watch two more hours of it and not gotten bored. Outside of that camp aspect it's a comedy of values wherein Ronnie learns that the woman he was going for, trying to impress with the monkey stunt, is not for him and that the woman he hired as a nanny for Bonzo is really more his style, more wholesome. There's not much in the way of plot, or interesting shots, or anything really. It's an old studio film. Don't expect too much. But I think if all of America were forced to watch this we may have not allowed the Terminator to become Governor of California. And I won't persecute, that goes for Minnesota and Jesse "The Body" Venture as well. My suggestion after watching this: serialize it. I want a whole series of films where ex-presidents have a live-in week with Bonzo, allow zaniness to ensue, cut and print.
Underrated Classic-give it a chance! (some spoilers)
showbizgal8730 June 2004
Warning: Spoilers
OK OK....so this film isn't Citizen Kane! But it is definitely worth watching, even if it is just to see President Reagan acting with a chimp. The story is basic- a professor tries to teach a monkey the difference between right and wrong to prove the dean of the college is wrong about hereditary traits. He decides to become the chimp's "Poppa" and hires a pretty young maid to be the "Momma." Basic plot? Yes. Predictable? Yes. Worth the watch? YES! Ronald Reagan was SOOO underrated as an actor, and this shows off his skills, even though it's not King's Row. My favorite scene is the breakfast scene where Prof. Boyd and Jane are trying to act like parents, and the Prof. calls Jane his "little chicken." I also like it when Hans calls the Prof. a "Dummkopf" (German for "stupid head.) The only thing I wish was different was that Jane would fall out of the tree, and Peter would catch her, maybe with his fiancée watching! 8/10
A film ahead of it's time. ***Possible spoiler***
cottenfields5 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The filmmaker is quite visionary and prophetic even in casting a future president and the ancestor of a future president in this movie. The stark contrast of Ronald Reagan who would lead the nation to greatness only to have it all thrown away by the progeny of his costar is a cinematic achievement. The film is a dire warning of the folly of the modern welfare state. No matter what we do chimps will still not be able to function in society without a guiding human hand. That little guy sure is cute though or so it would seem to the untrained eye. Chimps can actually be quite savage. Far to many humans have been mauled and killed by these creatures. In the end they have a homeland to which they are better suited and should have remained.
A cinema work for the ages
iamthesherifff19 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It might be a bit strange seeing a President share hilarious scenes with a chimp, but as it turns out, Bedtime for Bonzo is a romp like no other. Hilarious chimp action, hilarious Ronald Reagan action, and hilarious chimp action can all be found. I highly reccomend DUnston Checks in for anyone, for any reason whatsoever. Birthdays, Christmas parties, Bat Matzfahs, any day really. The most fun I've had since Busch Gardens.
Pure Monkey Business.
tfrizzell14 August 2002
College professor Ronald Reagan (yes, our 40th U.S. President) wants to marry his sweetheart Diana Lynn, but her father (the dean of the university) is not sure he wants his daughter with Reagan. The reason for this is the fact that Reagan's father is a life-long felon who has been in and out of correctional facilities throughout his life. Thus Reagan hatches an elaborate scheme to show that environment is the reason why beings do what they do and not genetics. He kidnaps the titled character (a chimpanzee) in the hopes of the animal being able to distinguish between right and wrong at Reagan's house. The film is pure slap-stick and works mainly due to the animal more than anything else. Reagan is adequate as he was throughout his ho-hum Hollywood career. His experience with "Bedtime for Bonzo" made him perfect for the chaotic world of politics. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
i go bananas for ronald reagan.
mcniscool27 September 2021
I am a HUGE fan of this movie. I grew up in Texas during the Reagan administration, but I never knew much about him due to not seeing the outside world very often. However, every adult around me seemed to love him, constantly talking about the "tinkle down" or something. But that political talk never interested me. I am a man of convictions, and I can tell a good man when I see one. And once I saw this film, I knew that Reagan was not only a good man, but was correct on everything.
Let me give some background information. I love chimpanzee movies. I actually love them so much that I chose to pursue a career in chimp wrangling. And out of all of my experience both with chimps in film, and real chimps, this film has given me the most real interpretation of the complex interpersonal relationships that chimps have. I love this movie, and I love Ronald Reagan. This movie, and Reagans phenominal acting has convinced me beyond a doubt that Ronald Reagan is our best president. I still know very little about his actual policy, but what I do know is that the chemistry between him and that chimp was phenomenal. By the end, I was legitimately convinced that Reagan had Bonzo the chimp as his running mate, and believed this for 6 years until someone told me that Bush was his running mate instead. This movie was amazing, and my only qualm was that Reagan didn't explain his political stances more, which would have helped me support him even more. Overall this movie had some lost potential, but was still an AMAZING piece of cinema.
Let me give some background information. I love chimpanzee movies. I actually love them so much that I chose to pursue a career in chimp wrangling. And out of all of my experience both with chimps in film, and real chimps, this film has given me the most real interpretation of the complex interpersonal relationships that chimps have. I love this movie, and I love Ronald Reagan. This movie, and Reagans phenominal acting has convinced me beyond a doubt that Ronald Reagan is our best president. I still know very little about his actual policy, but what I do know is that the chemistry between him and that chimp was phenomenal. By the end, I was legitimately convinced that Reagan had Bonzo the chimp as his running mate, and believed this for 6 years until someone told me that Bush was his running mate instead. This movie was amazing, and my only qualm was that Reagan didn't explain his political stances more, which would have helped me support him even more. Overall this movie had some lost potential, but was still an AMAZING piece of cinema.
Featherweight fare
roberts-15 January 2002
Lightweight comedy of a college professor (Ronald Reagan) trying to teach a chimpanzee right and wrong (with the aid of pretty Diana Lynn and fellow professor Walter Slezak) to prove an experiment in environment vs. genetics. Hardly anyone's finest hour as an actor, but "Bedtime For Bonzo" still entertains in a Saturday afternoon matinee sort of way. Totally innocuous and harmless film, passable acting, generally no better or worse than the many other "B" movies cranked out by Universal in the 1950's.
Ronald Reagen is a great monkey!
Korbo_Mason15 May 2017
Amazing practical effects, it's a wonder that ol' Ronnie Reagan could fit in a chimpanzee costume so small! And so realistic! I have to say, the costume department outdid themselves here. The script is also brilliant, Bonzo is a wise, tragic character who helps those around in him, despite the fact that he himself is the one who needs help the most, as 1/3 into the movie he finds out that he has a brain tumor. What happens afterwards will warm your heart, make you cry, and even get you a little hot and bothered in places I dare not say.
Ronald Reagan and his running Primate
MartynGryphon30 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Bedtime for Bonzo is a smashing little comedy it certainly a product of its time. A time when the family life was a wholesome environment....even for a chimp.
Ronald Reagan plays a College Psychologist engaged to be married to his Dean's daughter, but after it is revealed that his father was a career criminal, the Dean has second thoughts regarding the marriage fearing that criminal tendencies may be hereditary. Reagan, however, in a bid to prove his prospective Father in Law wrong, is convinced that it is the wholesomeness of the environment one is brought up in that determines one's character.
To prove his point, he borrows's a lab chimpanzee called George Bush, takes him home and teaches him the finer points of Reaganomics and instils in him the ability to recognise the evils of communism and the need for lower taxes and smaller government.......
.....I jest of course. The chimp is called Bonzo and his plan is to raise him as if he were a child and teach him right from wrong and how to show the Dean that even a chimp can be taught moral values. But it's not the easy task he had hoped it would be.
He hires a nanny in the form of the delectable Diana Lynn and teaches Bonzo to recognise him as Papa and Lynn as Mama, but playing Happy Families is a lot different than being a happy family, especially when Lynn starts taking the role mama this erioisly and develops feelings. for Reagan. Throw in some grand larceny from the light fingered chimp and the fireworks ensue.
A great little family movie and one of my faves.
Sadly, 'Bonzo' was killed in a fire about two weeks after the movie was released. Reagan was reportedly extremely saddened when he heard about the news of the death of his magnificent co-star. However working with a chimp certainly put him excellent stead for dealing with Congress. He knew exactly how to handle them.
Ronald Reagan plays a College Psychologist engaged to be married to his Dean's daughter, but after it is revealed that his father was a career criminal, the Dean has second thoughts regarding the marriage fearing that criminal tendencies may be hereditary. Reagan, however, in a bid to prove his prospective Father in Law wrong, is convinced that it is the wholesomeness of the environment one is brought up in that determines one's character.
To prove his point, he borrows's a lab chimpanzee called George Bush, takes him home and teaches him the finer points of Reaganomics and instils in him the ability to recognise the evils of communism and the need for lower taxes and smaller government.......
.....I jest of course. The chimp is called Bonzo and his plan is to raise him as if he were a child and teach him right from wrong and how to show the Dean that even a chimp can be taught moral values. But it's not the easy task he had hoped it would be.
He hires a nanny in the form of the delectable Diana Lynn and teaches Bonzo to recognise him as Papa and Lynn as Mama, but playing Happy Families is a lot different than being a happy family, especially when Lynn starts taking the role mama this erioisly and develops feelings. for Reagan. Throw in some grand larceny from the light fingered chimp and the fireworks ensue.
A great little family movie and one of my faves.
Sadly, 'Bonzo' was killed in a fire about two weeks after the movie was released. Reagan was reportedly extremely saddened when he heard about the news of the death of his magnificent co-star. However working with a chimp certainly put him excellent stead for dealing with Congress. He knew exactly how to handle them.
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