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{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Dexter Riley
| name = Dexter Riley
| image = File:Dexter Riley - collection boxset artwork.jpg
| image = File:Dexter Riley - collection boxset artwork.jpg
| caption = Official home video release box set collection artwork
| caption = Official home video release box set collection artwork.
| based_on = Characters created by <br />Joseph L. McEveety
| based_on = Characters created by <br />Joseph L. McEveety
| starring = {{plainlist|
| starring = {{plainlist|
Line 16: Line 15:
| studio =
| studio =
| distributor =
| distributor =
| released = 1969–1995
| released = 1969–1975
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| gross = $16,710,000 <br />''(total of three films)''
| gross = $16,710,000 <br />(total of three films)
}}
}}


The '''Dexter Riley''' film series consists of American [[Science fiction]]-[[comedy films]], centered around a college student named Dexter Riley, portrayed by [[Kurt Russell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mymovierack.com/franchise/dexter-riley-collection|title=Dexter Riley Franchise - List of movies, prequel and sequel for Dexter Riley Franchise - MyMovieRack|website=www.mymovierack.com}}</ref><ref name=Independant>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theindependent.com/life/entertainment/kurt-russell-was-disney-s-golden-boy-back-in-the/article_4ec6e589-bb97-5cfe-90dc-2e3cb66fd19c.html|title=Kurt Russell was Disney's golden boy back in the '70s|website=The Grand Island Independent}}</ref> The films, produced by [[The Walt Disney Company]] and taking place at the fictional Medfield College, follow the science class led by Professor Quigley, and their experiments, projects, and adventures. The college, under the direction of Dean Eugene Higgins ([[Joe Flynn (American actor)|Joe Flynn]]) becomes involved in the nefarious plans of billionaire-turned-criminal, A. J. Arno ([[Cesar Romero]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sz1KDwAAQBAJ&q=dexter+riley+trilogy&pg=PT271|title=Frozen in Ice: The Story of Walt Disney Productions, 1966-1985|first=Mark|last=Arnold|date=October 27, 2013|publisher=BearManor Media|via=Google Books}}</ref>
The '''''Dexter Riley''''' film series consists of American [[science fiction]]-[[comedy film]]s, centered around an eponymous college student ([[Kurt Russell]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mymovierack.com/franchise/dexter-riley-collection|title=Dexter Riley Franchise - List of movies, prequel and sequel for Dexter Riley Franchise - MyMovieRack|website=www.mymovierack.com}}</ref><ref name=Independant>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theindependent.com/life/entertainment/kurt-russell-was-disney-s-golden-boy-back-in-the/article_4ec6e589-bb97-5cfe-90dc-2e3cb66fd19c.html|title=Kurt Russell was Disney's golden boy back in the '70s|website=The Grand Island Independent}}</ref> The films, produced by [[The Walt Disney Company]] and taking place at the fictional Medfield College, follow the science class led by Professor Quigley, and their experiments, projects, and adventures. The college, under the direction of Dean Eugene Higgins ([[Joe Flynn (American actor)|Joe Flynn]]) becomes involved in the nefarious plans of millionaire-turned-criminal, A. J. Arno ([[Cesar Romero]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sz1KDwAAQBAJ&q=dexter+riley+trilogy&pg=PT271|title=Frozen in Ice: The Story of Walt Disney Productions, 1966-1985|first=Mark|last=Arnold|date=October 27, 2013|publisher=BearManor Media|via=Google Books}}</ref>


The film trilogy received mixed reviews, while its [[television film]] remake was poorly received.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-strongest-man-in-the-world|title=The Strongest Man in the World - Movie Review|date=January 5, 2009|website=www.commonsensemedia.org}}</ref> The original trilogy has acquired a [[Cult film|cult classic status]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2018/07/DexteReilly.html|title=DIVING INTO DISNEY'S KURT RUSSELL DEXTER REILLY TRILOGY}}</ref> In 1999 the ''Dexter Riley'' trilogy, along with a number of other [[#Related films|Disney film series]], were expanded as a franchise into the [[Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S.|Walt Disney Parks]] [[#Theme park attraction|attraction]] with elements included from each movie.<ref name=Figment>https://www.disneyworld.eu/attractions/epcot/journey-into-imagination-with-figment/</ref>
The film trilogy received mixed reviews, while its [[television film]] remake was poorly received.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-strongest-man-in-the-world|title=The Strongest Man in the World - Movie Review|date=January 5, 2009|website=www.commonsensemedia.org}}</ref> The original trilogy has acquired a [[Cult film|cult classic status]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2018/07/DexteReilly.html|title=DIVING INTO DISNEY'S KURT RUSSELL DEXTER REILLY TRILOGY}}</ref> In 1999 the ''Dexter Riley'' trilogy, along with a number of other [[#Related films|Disney film series]], were expanded as a franchise into the [[Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S.|Walt Disney Parks]] [[#Theme park attraction|attraction]] with elements included from each film.<ref name=Figment>https://www.disneyworld.eu/attractions/epcot/journey-into-imagination-with-figment/ {{Bare URL inline|date=September 2022}}</ref>


== Films ==
== Films ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" width=100%
===''The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes'' (1969)===
{{main|The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes}}

At Medfield College, a non-intellectual named Dexter Riley becomes brilliant overnight. Following an electrical accident that transfers a donated computer memory into his brain, he gains the ability to learn any knowledge instantly and perfectly. After Riley gains fame and attention via television appearances, the dean of a competing university decides to ruin his reputation. At the same time, A. J. Arno, a secret technological crime boss with an upstanding public persona, pursues the student and his school because the computer he donated-that is now integrated into Riley's DNA-holds the records of his nefarious acts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1969/film/reviews/the-computer-wore-tennis-shoes-1200422115/|title=The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1970}}</ref><ref name=Independant />

===''Now You See Him, Now You Don't'' (1972)===
{{main|Now You See Him, Now You Don't}}

Dexter Riley is a science student at Medfield College who accidentally invents a liquid capable of rendering objects and people [[Invisibility|invisible]]. As Dexter and his friends Debbie and Richard begin exploring their recent discovery, the product gains the unwanted attention of corrupt businessman A. J. Arno. Recently released from prison, Arno seeks the formula for criminal means before the students can even announce their discovery. Arno and his henchman plan to use the invisibility spray to rob a bank.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1971/film/reviews/now-you-see-him-now-you-don-t-1200422746/|title=Now You See Him, Now You Don't|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1972}}</ref><ref name=Independant />

===''The Strongest Man in the World'' (1975)===
{{main|The Strongest Man in the World}}

Dexter Riley, who is studying science at Medfield College, decides to create a formula that will make humans stronger. After several unsuccessful attempts, a lab mishap combines his formula with a vitamin-rich breakfast cereal. He and his classmates discover that eating it briefly provides superhuman levels of strength and endurance. The greedy college dean attempts to take advantage of the discovery, marketing the product to a cereal corporation. Competing cereal companies hire thugs, including A. J. Arno, to eliminate the new miracle product.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/07/10/archives/screen-strongest-mandisney-comedy-brews-superhuman-formula.html|title=Screen: 'Strongest Man':Disney Comedy Brews Superhuman Formula|first=Vincent|last=Canby|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 10, 1975}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/movie/the-strongest-man-in-the-world/|title=The Strongest Man in the World – What's On Disney Plus|date=31 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=Independant />
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
! scope="col" style="width:18%;"| Title
! Film
! U.S. release date
! scope="col" | U.S. release date
! Director
! scope="col" | Director
! Screenwriter(s)
! scope="col" | Screenwriter(s)
! Story by
! scope="col" | Story by
! Producer
! scope="col" | Producer
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left" | [[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes]]
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1969|12|31}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1969|12|31}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Robert Butler (director)|Robert Butler]]
| rowspan="2"| [[Robert Butler (director)|Robert Butler]]
| colspan="2" | Joseph L. McEveety
| colspan="2"| Joseph L. McEveety
| Bill Anderson
| Bill Anderson
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left" | [[Now You See Him, Now You Don't]]
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[Now You See Him, Now You Don't]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1972|07|12}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1972|07|12}}
| Joseph L. McEveety
| Joseph L. McEveety
| Robert L. King
| Robert L. King
| [[Ron W. Miller|Ron Miller]]
| [[Ron W. Miller|Ron Miller]]
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left" | [[The Strongest Man in the World]]
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Strongest Man in the World]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1975|02|06}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1975|02|06}}
| [[Vincent McEveety]]
| [[Vincent McEveety]]
| colspan="2" | Herman Groves & Joseph L. McEveety
| colspan="2"| Joseph L. McEveety and Herman Groves
| Bill Anderson
| Bill Anderson
|}
|}

===''The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes'' (1969)===
{{main|The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes}}
At Medfield College, a non-intellectual named Dexter Riley becomes brilliant overnight. Following an electrical accident that transfers a donated computer memory into his brain, he gains the ability to learn any knowledge instantly and perfectly. After Riley gains fame and attention via television appearances, the dean of a competing university decides to ruin his reputation. At the same time, A. J. Arno, a secret technological crime boss with an upstanding public persona, pursues the student and his school because the computer he donated-that is now integrated into Riley's DNA-holds the records of his nefarious acts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1969/film/reviews/the-computer-wore-tennis-shoes-1200422115/|title=The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1970}}</ref><ref name=Independant />

===''Now You See Him, Now You Don't'' (1972)===
{{main|Now You See Him, Now You Don't}}
Dexter Riley is a science student at Medfield College who accidentally invents a liquid capable of rendering objects and people [[Invisibility|invisible]]. As Dexter and his friends Debbie and Richard begin exploring their recent discovery, the product gains the unwanted attention of corrupt businessman A. J. Arno. Recently released from prison, Arno seeks the formula for criminal means before the students can even announce their discovery. Arno and his henchman plan to use the invisibility spray to rob a bank.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1971/film/reviews/now-you-see-him-now-you-don-t-1200422746/|title=Now You See Him, Now You Don't|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1972}}</ref><ref name=Independant />

===''The Strongest Man in the World'' (1975)===
{{main|The Strongest Man in the World}}
Dexter Riley, who is studying science at Medfield College, decides to create a formula that will make humans stronger. After several unsuccessful attempts, a laboratory mishap combines his formula with a vitamin-rich breakfast cereal. He and his classmates discover that eating it briefly provides superhuman levels of strength and endurance. The greedy college dean attempts to take advantage of the discovery, marketing the product to a cereal corporation. Competing cereal companies hire thugs, including A. J. Arno, to eliminate the new miracle product.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/07/10/archives/screen-strongest-mandisney-comedy-brews-superhuman-formula.html|title=Screen: 'Strongest Man': Disney Comedy Brews Superhuman Formula|first=Vincent|last=Canby|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 10, 1975}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/movie/the-strongest-man-in-the-world/|title=The Strongest Man in the World – What's On Disney Plus|date=31 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=Independant />


==Television==
==Television==
{{main|The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)}}
{{main|The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" width=100%

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
! scope="col" style="width:24%;"| Title
! Film
! U.S. release date
! scope="col" | U.S. release date
! Director
! scope="col" | Director
! Screenwriters
! scope="col" | Screenwriters
! Story by
! scope="col" | Story by
! Producer
! scope="col" | Producer
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left" | [[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)|Disney's The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes]]
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)|Disney's The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes]]''
| style="text-align:left" | {{Start date|1995|02|18}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1995|02|18}}
| [[Peyton Reed]]
| [[Peyton Reed]]
| Ryan Rowe & Joseph L. McEveety
| Joseph L. McEveety and Ryan Rowe
| Joseph L. McEveety
| Joseph L. McEveety
| Joseph B. Wallenstein
| Joseph B. Wallenstein
Line 92: Line 88:


After a laboratory accident, the contents of a computer's encyclopedia is transferred biochemically into the brain of Dexter Riley, a less-than-average college student. After his newly acquired genius he appears on a trivia show, competing between various universities. After acing the show's quiz, and acquiring all the points, another university finds out about how he attained his skills and does everything to discredit Dexter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/the-computer-wore-tennis-shoes-abc-sat-feb-18-8-p-m-1200440742/|title=The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Abc, Sat. Feb. 18, 8 p.m.|first1=John P.|last1=McCarthy|date=February 13, 1995}}</ref>
After a laboratory accident, the contents of a computer's encyclopedia is transferred biochemically into the brain of Dexter Riley, a less-than-average college student. After his newly acquired genius he appears on a trivia show, competing between various universities. After acing the show's quiz, and acquiring all the points, another university finds out about how he attained his skills and does everything to discredit Dexter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/the-computer-wore-tennis-shoes-abc-sat-feb-18-8-p-m-1200440742/|title=The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Abc, Sat. Feb. 18, 8 p.m.|first1=John P.|last1=McCarthy|date=February 13, 1995}}</ref>

==Related films==
{{main|Flubber (franchise)|The Shaggy Dog (franchise)}}

The Dexter Riley film series takes place at Medfield College. The college is used as a primary location in two other Disney film franchises. The college appears in [[The Shaggy Dog (franchise)|''The Shaggy Dog'' film series]], and the [[Flubber (franchise)|''Flubber'' film series]]. Collectively, the three separate film series take place within the same fictional universe.<ref name="Medfield_GB">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nEGaj75GhXcC&q=medfield+college+appeared+in+various+disney+films&pg=PT145|title=Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered|first=Dave|last=Smith|date=July 3, 2012|publisher=Disney Electronic Content|isbn=9781423178576|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="Medfield_TA">{{Cite web|url=https://the-avocado.org/2019/04/23/building-entertainment-the-animated-films-of-the-walt-disney-studio-live-action-edition-the-absent-minded-professor/|title=Building Entertainment: The Animated Films of the Walt Disney Studio. Live-Action Edition. The Absent-Minded Professor.|date=April 23, 2019|website=The Avocado}}</ref> Additionally, the [[The Missadventures of Merlin Jones|Merlin Jones film series]] take place at the in-universe sister-school, Midvale College;<ref name="MedfieldMidvale_WODP">{{cite web|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-plus-missing-incomplete-franchises-sequels/|work=What's on Disney Plus|title=22 Missing Or Incomplete Disney+ Film And TV Franchises|author=Shepherd, Josh|date=January 15, 2021|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}</ref> meanwhile, ''[[The World's Greatest Athlete]]'' is set at the related academic school of Merrivale College.<ref name="MMM.Universities_GB">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nEGaj75GhXcC&dq=merrivale+college+disney&pg=PT145|title=Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered|author=Smith, Dave|date=June 26, 2012|isbn=9781423178576|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:99%"
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | U.S. release date
! scope="col" | Director
! scope="col" | Screenwriter(s)
! scope="col" | Story by
! scope="col" | Producer(s)
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ''The Shaggy Dog'' film series
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Shaggy Dog (1959 film)|The Shaggy Dog]]''
| {{start date|1959|03|19|}}
| [[Charles Barton (director)|Charles Barton]]
| colspan="2"| [[Lillie Hayward]] and Bill Walsh
| Walt Disney and Bill Walsh
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Shaggy D.A.]]''
| {{start date|1976|12|17|}}
| Robert Stevenson
| colspan="2"| Don Tait
| [[Bill Anderson (producer)|Bill Anderson]]
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Return of the Shaggy Dog]]''
| {{start date|1987|11|01|}}
| [[Stuart Gillard]]
| colspan="2"| [[Paul Haggis]] and Diane Wilk
| Harvey Marks
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Shaggy Dog (2006 film)|The Shaggy Dog]]''
| {{start date|2006|03|10|}}
| [[Brian Robbins]]
| colspan="2"| [[Cormac and Marianne Wibberley|Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley]] <br />and [[Geoff Rodkey]] <br />and [[Jack Amiel]] and [[Michael Begler]]
| [[David Hoberman]] and [[Tim Allen]]
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ''Flubber'' film series
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[The Absent-Minded Professor]]''
| {{start date|1961|03|16|}}
| rowspan="2"| [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| colspan="3"| [[Bill Walsh (producer)|Bill Walsh]]
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Son of Flubber]]''
| {{start date|1963|01|16|}}
| colspan="2"| Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi
| [[Walt Disney]] and Bill Walsh
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Flubber (film)|Flubber]]''
| {{start date|1997|11|26|}}
| [[Les Mayfield]]
| colspan="2"| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ''Merlin Jones'' film series
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Misadventures of Merlin Jones]]''
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1964|02|11}}
| rowspan="2"| Robert Stevenson
| [[Alfred Lewis Levitt|Tom August & Helen August]]
| Bill Walsh
| rowspan="2"| Walt Disney and [[Ron W. Miller|Ron Miller]]
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Monkey's Uncle]]''
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1965|08|18}}
| colspan="2"| Tom August & Helen August
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | Other films
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The World's Greatest Athlete]]''
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1973|02|01}}
| [[Robert Scheerer]]
| colspan="2"| [[Dee Caruso]] <br />and [[Gerald Gardner (writer)|Gerald Gardner]]
| Bill Walsh
|-
|}

==Principal cast and characters==
==Principal cast and characters==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:99%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:99%;"
Line 266: Line 181:
! ''[[The Strongest Man in the World]]''
! ''[[The Strongest Man in the World]]''
| Andrew Jackson
| Andrew Jackson
| 92 minutes
| 1hr 32mins
|-
|-
! ''[[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)|Disney's <br />The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes]]''
! ''[[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)|Disney's <br />The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes]]''
Line 274: Line 189:
| [[Walt Disney Television]], <br />ZM Productions
| [[Walt Disney Television]], <br />ZM Productions
| [[American Broadcasting Company]], <br />[[Disney–ABC Domestic Television|Buena Vista Television]]
| [[American Broadcasting Company]], <br />[[Disney–ABC Domestic Television|Buena Vista Television]]
| 87 minutes
| 1hr 27mins
|}
|}


Line 358: Line 273:
==Theme park attraction==
==Theme park attraction==
{{main|Journey into Imagination with Figment}}
{{main|Journey into Imagination with Figment}}
In 1999, the theme of ''Journey into Imagination'' was changed and re-titled to include [[Figment (Disney)|Figment]]. The ride features Dr. Nigel Channing, from ''Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!'', who "hosts" an area known as the ''Imagination Institute''. The story states that Channing's grandfather established the institute, while the area features references to Dean Higgins from the ''[[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes|Dexter Riley]]'' films, as well as Wayne Szalinski from the ''[[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (franchise)|Honey, I Shrunk the Kids]]'' franchise, and Dr. Philip Brainard from ''[[Flubber (franchise)|Flubber]]''. [[Walt Disney]] and [[Thomas Edison]] also make an appearance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://d23.com/epcot-by-the-numbers/|title=Epcot by the Numbers|date=October 31, 2017|website=D23}}</ref><ref name=Figment />


==Related films==
In 1999, the theme of ''Journey into Imagination'' was changed and re-titled to include [[Figment (Disney)|Figment]]. The ride features Dr. Nigel Channing, from ''Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!'', who "hosts" an area known as the ''Imagination Institute''. The story states that Channing's grandfather established the institute, while the area features references to Dean Higgins from the [[The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes|Dexter Riley]] films, as well as Wayne Szalinski from the ''[[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (franchise)|Honey, I Shrunk the Kids]]'' franchise, as well as Dr. Philip Brainard from ''[[Flubber (franchise)|Flubber]]''. [[Walt Disney]] and [[Thomas Edison]] also make an appearance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://d23.com/epcot-by-the-numbers/|title=Epcot by the Numbers|date=October 31, 2017|website=D23}}</ref><ref name=Figment />
{{main|Flubber (franchise)|The Shaggy Dog (franchise)}}
The ''Dexter Riley'' film series takes place at Medfield College. The college is used as a primary location in two other Disney film franchises: [[The Shaggy Dog (franchise)|''The Shaggy Dog'']] and the [[Flubber (franchise)|''Flubber'']] film series. Collectively, the three separate film series take place within the same fictional universe.<ref name="Medfield_GB">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nEGaj75GhXcC&q=medfield+college+appeared+in+various+disney+films&pg=PT145|title=Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered|first=Dave|last=Smith|date=July 3, 2012|publisher=Disney Electronic Content|isbn=9781423178576|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="Medfield_TA">{{Cite web|url=https://the-avocado.org/2019/04/23/building-entertainment-the-animated-films-of-the-walt-disney-studio-live-action-edition-the-absent-minded-professor/|title=Building Entertainment: The Animated Films of the Walt Disney Studio. Live-Action Edition. The Absent-Minded Professor.|date=April 23, 2019|website=The Avocado}}</ref> Additionally, the ''[[The Missadventures of Merlin Jones|Merlin Jones]]'' film series take place at the in-universe sister-school, Midvale College,<ref name="MedfieldMidvale_WODP">{{cite web|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-plus-missing-incomplete-franchises-sequels/|work=What's on Disney Plus|title=22 Missing Or Incomplete Disney+ Film And TV Franchises|author=Shepherd, Josh|date=January 15, 2021|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}</ref> while ''[[The World's Greatest Athlete]]'' is set at the related academic school of Merrivale College.<ref name="MMM.Universities_GB">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nEGaj75GhXcC&dq=merrivale+college+disney&pg=PT145|title=Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered|author=Smith, Dave|date=June 26, 2012|publisher=Disney Electronic Content |isbn=9781423178576|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:99%"
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | U.S. release date
! scope="col" | Director
! scope="col" | Screenwriter(s)
! scope="col" | Story by
! scope="col" | Producer(s)
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ''The Shaggy Dog'' film series
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Shaggy Dog (1959 film)|The Shaggy Dog]]''
| {{start date|1959|03|19|}}
| [[Charles Barton (director)|Charles Barton]]
| colspan="2"| [[Lillie Hayward]] and Bill Walsh
| Walt Disney and Bill Walsh
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Shaggy D.A.]]''
| {{start date|1976|12|17|}}
| Robert Stevenson
| colspan="2"| Don Tait
| [[Bill Anderson (producer)|Bill Anderson]]
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Return of the Shaggy Dog]]''
| {{start date|1987|11|01|}}
| [[Stuart Gillard]]
| colspan="2"| [[Paul Haggis]] and Diane Wilk
| Harvey Marks
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[The Shaggy Dog (2006 film)|The Shaggy Dog]]''
| {{start date|2006|03|10|}}
| [[Brian Robbins]]
| colspan="2"| [[Cormac and Marianne Wibberley|Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley]] <br />and [[Geoff Rodkey]] <br />and [[Jack Amiel]] and [[Michael Begler]]
| [[David Hoberman]] and [[Tim Allen]]
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ''Flubber'' film series
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[The Absent-Minded Professor]]''
| {{start date|1961|03|16|}}
| rowspan="2"| [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| colspan="3"| [[Bill Walsh (producer)|Bill Walsh]]
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Son of Flubber]]''
| {{start date|1963|01|16|}}
| colspan="2"| Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi
| [[Walt Disney]] and Bill Walsh
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Flubber (film)|Flubber]]''
| {{start date|1997|11|26|}}
| [[Les Mayfield]]
| colspan="2"| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | ''Merlin Jones'' film series
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Misadventures of Merlin Jones|The Missadventures of Merlin Jones]]''
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1964|02|11}}
| rowspan="2"| Robert Stevenson
| [[Alfred Lewis Levitt|Tom August & Helen August]]
| Bill Walsh
| rowspan="2"| Walt Disney and [[Ron W. Miller|Ron Miller]]
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The Monkey's Uncle]]''
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1965|08|18}}
| colspan="2"| Tom August & Helen August
|-
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#ccccff;" | Other films
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left" | ''[[The World's Greatest Athlete]]''
| style="text-align:center" | {{Start date|1973|02|01}}
| [[Robert Scheerer]]
| colspan="2"| [[Dee Caruso]] <br />and [[Gerald Gardner (writer)|Gerald Gardner]]
| Bill Walsh
|-
|}


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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[[Category:Film series]]
[[Category:American film series]]
[[Category:Disney film series]]
[[Category:Disney film series]]

Latest revision as of 14:46, 25 November 2024

Dexter Riley
Official home video release box set collection artwork.
Based onCharacters created by
Joseph L. McEveety
Starring
Release date
1969–1975
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$16,710,000
(total of three films)

The Dexter Riley film series consists of American science fiction-comedy films, centered around an eponymous college student (Kurt Russell).[1][2] The films, produced by The Walt Disney Company and taking place at the fictional Medfield College, follow the science class led by Professor Quigley, and their experiments, projects, and adventures. The college, under the direction of Dean Eugene Higgins (Joe Flynn) becomes involved in the nefarious plans of millionaire-turned-criminal, A. J. Arno (Cesar Romero).[3]

The film trilogy received mixed reviews, while its television film remake was poorly received.[4] The original trilogy has acquired a cult classic status.[5] In 1999 the Dexter Riley trilogy, along with a number of other Disney film series, were expanded as a franchise into the Walt Disney Parks attraction with elements included from each film.[6]

Films

[edit]
Title U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes December 31, 1969 (1969-12-31) Robert Butler Joseph L. McEveety Bill Anderson
Now You See Him, Now You Don't July 12, 1972 (1972-07-12) Joseph L. McEveety Robert L. King Ron Miller
The Strongest Man in the World February 6, 1975 (1975-02-06) Vincent McEveety Joseph L. McEveety and Herman Groves Bill Anderson

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

[edit]
Main article: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

At Medfield College, a non-intellectual named Dexter Riley becomes brilliant overnight. Following an electrical accident that transfers a donated computer memory into his brain, he gains the ability to learn any knowledge instantly and perfectly. After Riley gains fame and attention via television appearances, the dean of a competing university decides to ruin his reputation. At the same time, A. J. Arno, a secret technological crime boss with an upstanding public persona, pursues the student and his school because the computer he donated-that is now integrated into Riley's DNA-holds the records of his nefarious acts.[7][2]

Now You See Him, Now You Don't (1972)

[edit]
Main article: Now You See Him, Now You Don't

Dexter Riley is a science student at Medfield College who accidentally invents a liquid capable of rendering objects and people invisible. As Dexter and his friends Debbie and Richard begin exploring their recent discovery, the product gains the unwanted attention of corrupt businessman A. J. Arno. Recently released from prison, Arno seeks the formula for criminal means before the students can even announce their discovery. Arno and his henchman plan to use the invisibility spray to rob a bank.[8][2]

The Strongest Man in the World (1975)

[edit]
Main article: The Strongest Man in the World

Dexter Riley, who is studying science at Medfield College, decides to create a formula that will make humans stronger. After several unsuccessful attempts, a laboratory mishap combines his formula with a vitamin-rich breakfast cereal. He and his classmates discover that eating it briefly provides superhuman levels of strength and endurance. The greedy college dean attempts to take advantage of the discovery, marketing the product to a cereal corporation. Competing cereal companies hire thugs, including A. J. Arno, to eliminate the new miracle product.[9][10][2]

Television

[edit]
Main article: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)
Title U.S. release date Director Screenwriters Story by Producer
Disney's The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes February 18, 1995 (1995-02-18) Peyton Reed Joseph L. McEveety and Ryan Rowe Joseph L. McEveety Joseph B. Wallenstein

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, a number of made-for-television remake films of classic Walt Disney Productions were produced and released as a part of The Magical World of Disney series. Among them was The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.

After a laboratory accident, the contents of a computer's encyclopedia is transferred biochemically into the brain of Dexter Riley, a less-than-average college student. After his newly acquired genius he appears on a trivia show, competing between various universities. After acing the show's quiz, and acquiring all the points, another university finds out about how he attained his skills and does everything to discredit Dexter.[11]

Principal cast and characters

[edit]
Character Films Television
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Now You See Him, Now You Don't The Strongest Man in the World Disney's The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
Dexter Riley Kurt Russell Kirk Cameron
Dean
Eugene "E. J. Gene" Higgins 		Joe Flynn  
A. J. Arno Cesar Romero  
Professor
Miles Quigley 		William Schallert   William Schallert Jason Bernard
Richard Schuyler Michael McGreevey  
Debbie Dawson   Joyce Menges Ann Marshall  
Harriet Crumply   Eve Arden  
Kirkwood Krinkle   Phil Silvers  
Cookie / Chillie Richard Bakalyan  
Dean
Al Valentine 		  Larry Miller
Dean
Webster Carlson 		  Dean Jones
Norwood Gills   Matthew McCurley

Additional crew and production details

[edit]
Film Crew/Detail
Composer Cinematographer Editor Production
companies 		Distributing
companies 		Running time
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Robert F. Brunner Frank V. Phillips Cotton Warburton Walt Disney Productions Buena Vista Distribution Company 1hr 31mins
Now You See Him, Now You Don't 1hr 28mins
The Strongest Man in the World Andrew Jackson 1hr 32mins
Disney's
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes 		Philip Giffin Russ T. Alsobrook Jeff Gourson Walt Disney Television,
ZM Productions 		American Broadcasting Company,
Buena Vista Television 		1hr 27mins

Reception

[edit]
For more details on the reception of each film, see the "Reception" section on each film's article.

Box office and financial performance

[edit]
Film Box office gross Box office ranking Budget Worldwide
Total income 		Ref.
North America Other territories Worldwide All time
North America 		All time
worldwide
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes — — — — — — $5,500,000 [12][13]
Now You See Him, Now You Don't — — — — — — $4,610,000 [14]
The Strongest Man in the World — — — — — — $6,600,000 [15]
Totals   $16,710,000[a]

Critical response

[edit]
Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes 50% (6 reviews)[16] 54 (4 reviews)[17]
Now You See Him, Now You Don't 80% (5 reviews)[18] —
The Strongest Man in the World —[19] 63 (4 reviews)[20]
Disney's The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes —[21] —

Theme park attraction

[edit]
Main article: Journey into Imagination with Figment

In 1999, the theme of Journey into Imagination was changed and re-titled to include Figment. The ride features Dr. Nigel Channing, from Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!, who "hosts" an area known as the Imagination Institute. The story states that Channing's grandfather established the institute, while the area features references to Dean Higgins from the Dexter Riley films, as well as Wayne Szalinski from the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise, and Dr. Philip Brainard from Flubber. Walt Disney and Thomas Edison also make an appearance.[22][6]

[edit]
Main articles: Flubber (franchise) and The Shaggy Dog (franchise)

The Dexter Riley film series takes place at Medfield College. The college is used as a primary location in two other Disney film franchises: The Shaggy Dog and the Flubber film series. Collectively, the three separate film series take place within the same fictional universe.[23][24] Additionally, the Merlin Jones film series take place at the in-universe sister-school, Midvale College,[25] while The World's Greatest Athlete is set at the related academic school of Merrivale College.[26]

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer(s)
The Shaggy Dog film series
The Shaggy Dog March 19, 1959 (1959-03-19) Charles Barton Lillie Hayward and Bill Walsh Walt Disney and Bill Walsh
The Shaggy D.A. December 17, 1976 (1976-12-17) Robert Stevenson Don Tait Bill Anderson
The Return of the Shaggy Dog November 1, 1987 (1987-11-01) Stuart Gillard Paul Haggis and Diane Wilk Harvey Marks
The Shaggy Dog March 10, 2006 (2006-03-10) Brian Robbins Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley
and Geoff Rodkey
and Jack Amiel and Michael Begler 		David Hoberman and Tim Allen
Flubber film series
The Absent-Minded Professor March 16, 1961 (1961-03-16) Robert Stevenson Bill Walsh
Son of Flubber January 16, 1963 (1963-01-16) Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi Walt Disney and Bill Walsh
Flubber November 26, 1997 (1997-11-26) Les Mayfield John Hughes John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres
Merlin Jones film series
The Missadventures of Merlin Jones February 11, 1964 (1964-02-11) Robert Stevenson Tom August & Helen August Bill Walsh Walt Disney and Ron Miller
The Monkey's Uncle August 18, 1965 (1965-08-18) Tom August & Helen August
Other films
The World's Greatest Athlete February 1, 1973 (1973-02-01) Robert Scheerer Dee Caruso
and Gerald Gardner 		Bill Walsh

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ These numbers is an approximate calculation of the total income The Walt Disney Company made of film rentals. Box office numbers are not available from the company.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dexter Riley Franchise - List of movies, prequel and sequel for Dexter Riley Franchise - MyMovieRack". www.mymovierack.com.
  2. ^ a b c d "Kurt Russell was Disney's golden boy back in the '70s". The Grand Island Independent.
  3. ^ Arnold, Mark (October 27, 2013). "Frozen in Ice: The Story of Walt Disney Productions, 1966-1985". BearManor Media – via Google Books.
  4. ^ "The Strongest Man in the World - Movie Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. January 5, 2009.
  5. ^ "DIVING INTO DISNEY'S KURT RUSSELL DEXTER REILLY TRILOGY".
  6. ^ a b https://www.disneyworld.eu/attractions/epcot/journey-into-imagination-with-figment/ [bare URL]
  7. ^ "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes". Variety. January 1, 1970.
  8. ^ "Now You See Him, Now You Don't". Variety. January 1, 1972.
  9. ^ Canby, Vincent (July 10, 1975). "Screen: 'Strongest Man': Disney Comedy Brews Superhuman Formula". The New York Times.
  10. ^ "The Strongest Man in the World – What's On Disney Plus". 31 December 2019.
  11. ^ McCarthy, John P. (February 13, 1995). "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Abc, Sat. Feb. 18, 8 p.m."
  12. ^ "Once Upon 1969: Kurt Russell and the decline of Disney's golden era". Vanyaland. July 23, 2019.
  13. ^ "Big Rental Films of 1970", Variety, 6 January 1971 p 11
  14. ^ "All-time Film Rental Champs", Variety, 7 January 1976 p 48
  15. ^ "All-time Film Rental Champs", Variety, 7 January 1976 p 44
  16. ^ "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)". Rotten Tomatoes.
  17. ^ "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes". Metacritic.
  18. ^ "Now You See Him, Now You Don't (1972)". Rotten Tomatoes.
  19. ^ "The Strongest Man in the World (1975)". Rotten Tomatoes.
  20. ^ "The Strongest Man in the World". Metacritic.
  21. ^ "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995)". Rotten Tomatoes.
  22. ^ "Epcot by the Numbers". D23. October 31, 2017.
  23. ^ Smith, Dave (July 3, 2012). Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered. Disney Electronic Content. ISBN 9781423178576 – via Google Books.
  24. ^ "Building Entertainment: The Animated Films of the Walt Disney Studio. Live-Action Edition. The Absent-Minded Professor". The Avocado. April 23, 2019.
  25. ^ Shepherd, Josh (January 15, 2021). "22 Missing Or Incomplete Disney+ Film And TV Franchises". What's on Disney Plus. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  26. ^ Smith, Dave (June 26, 2012). Disney Trivia from the Vault: Secrets Revealed and Questions Answered. Disney Electronic Content. ISBN 9781423178576. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
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