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Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 5.8/10
Reviews Counted: 12
Fresh: 8 | Rotten: 4

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 2
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3/5
User Ratings: 1,325

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Movie Info

Forget what you've been led to believe: Bedtime for Bonzo is a most enjoyable film, and Ronald Reagan is not outacted by the chimpanzee. Reagan is cast as psychology professor whose reputation is sullied by the fact that his father was a convict. To prove that environment rather than heredity dictates a man's personality, Reagan uses Bonzo the chimp to test out his theories. The hairy little guy seems to be responding to the kindnesses lavished upon him--and then he is accused of robbery. Reagan

Unrated, 1 hr. 23 min.

Classics, Comedy

Directed By: Frederick De Cordova

In Theaters: Sep 28, 1951 Wide

On DVD: May 31, 2005

Cast

Diana Lynn
Jane Linden
Walter Slezak
Prof. Hans Neumann
Lucille Barkley
Valerie Tillinghast
Jesse White
Babcock
Herbert Heyes
Dean Tillinghast
Herb Vigran
Lt. Daggett
Harry Tyler
Knucksy
Joel Friedkin
Mr. DeWitt
Howard Banks
Policeman
Perc Launders
Fireman
Brad Johnson
Student
Billy Mauch
Student
Ann Tyrrell
Operator
Leslye Banning
Coed
Tommy Bond
Student
Bonzo the Chimp
Edward Clark
Fosdick
Larry Crane
Student
Elizabeth Flournoy
Miss Swithen
Edward Gargan
Policeman Bill
Jack Gargan
Teacher
Philo McCullough
Teacher
Ronald Reagan
Prof. Peter Boyd
Midge Ware
Coed
Steve Wayne
Student
Bridget Carr
Girl in car
Larry Carr
Student
Irmgard Dawson
Operator
Larry Williams
Teacher

Critic Reviews for Bedtime for Bonzo

All Critics (12) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (9) | Rotten (4) | DVD (3)

As is, it is a minor bit of fun yielding a respectable amount of laughs but nothing, actually, over which to wax ecstatic.

March 25, 2006 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Bosley Crowther

New York Times

Top Critic

A dim sitcom of the kind Universal turned out by the dozens in the early 50s, distinguished -- if that's the word -- by the presence of Ronald Reagan.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

For once Reagan is in synch with his costar, but Bonzo the chimp proved the more able farceur.

August 2, 2011 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

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TV Guide's Movie Guide

Its bland star, Ronald Reagan, survived playing second banana to a chimp to become the 40th President of the United States.

August 24, 2007 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

... you might be surprised to discover that the modest little comedy is actually an enjoyable piece of light entertainment.

July 29, 2007 Full Review Source: Turner Classic Movies Online

| Comment

Sean Axmaker

Turner Classic Movies Online

THE Ronald Reagan monkey-on-his-back movie...slapstick laughs.

January 4, 2005 Comment

Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan Source: Kansas City Kansan

Click to read the article.

December 31, 2004 Full Review Source: StaciWilson.com

| Comment

Staci Layne Wilson

StaciWilson.com

Literally The Greatest Thing Ronald Reagan Ever Did.

April 25, 2004 Comment

Gregory Weinkauf

New Times

The film is always enjoyable in spite of its shortcomings.

May 24, 2003 Full Review Source: Film4

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Film4

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Audience Reviews for Bedtime for Bonzo

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I've always heard about this movie - usually when people are joking about it. I had no clue what it was really about. It was on TCM tonight so I watched it. I have to admit... I really enjoyed it.

August 24, 2007

Ankou

One of the sillier classic comedies. I never saw any of the sequels to this, but really, you couldn't get a whole lot farther than this. One of these movies goes a long way.