ironhorse_iv Review of Bedtime for Bonzo

Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)

Meh. This is one movie not worth going ape for. Regardless, it doesn't deserve all the hate. It was decent enough to watch.

[5/10 · 28 March 2019]

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.