Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello and Leon Ames. Misadventures of Merlin Jones, The is rated NR. Misadventures of Merlin Jones, The DVD, Blu-Ray is available, trailer for viewing and reviews for reading.">
Mind-reading, hypnotism, a crooked judge and a laboratory chimpanzee all contribute to the 1964 Walt Disney Productions comedy, The Misadventures of Merlin Jones.
Starring the teen duo of Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello, the film is typical early 60s Disney escapist fare, with a college backdrop as the medium for a series of "misadventures" involving a student genius (Kirk) and his latest technological gizmo. This time it's a helmet that allows the wearer to read minds, naturally leading to even further chaos and hilarity.
Leon Ames portrays the shady judge, while Funicello sings the title song as well as co-starring as Merlin's girlfriend.
Directed by Disney veteran Robert Stevenson, who also sat in the chair for classics such as Old Yeller, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Son of Flubber, The Absent-Minded Professor as well as the iconic musical, Mary Poppins, for which he received a Best Director Academy Award nomination.
Misadventures led to a sequel the following year, The Monkey's Uncle, which featured practically the identical cast and crew.
