The Misadventures of Merlin Jones

BRAWN vs. BRAIN

6.5
19641h 31m

Merlin Jones, a precocious and intelligent high-school boy, experiments with hypnosis and creates a mind-reading machine. However, his experiments land him in deep trouble with the law.

Production

Logo for Walt Disney Productions

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: 'The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones' (1964) ♦RARE♦ Theatrical Trailer

'The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones' (1964) ♦RARE♦ Theatrical Trailer

Thumbnail for video: " Disney's The Misadventures of Merlin Jones" (1963) Opening Theme

" Disney's The Misadventures of Merlin Jones" (1963) Opening Theme

Cast

Photo of Tommy Kirk

Tommy Kirk

Merlin Jones

Photo of Leon Ames

Leon Ames

Judge Holmsby / Lex Fortas

Photo of Stuart Erwin

Stuart Erwin

Police Captain Loomis

Photo of Alan Hewitt

Alan Hewitt

Professor Shattuck

Photo of Connie Gilchrist

Connie Gilchrist

Mrs. Gossett

Photo of Norman Grabowski

Norman Grabowski

Norman, Midvale Football Player

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Reviews

R

r96sk

7/10

Bit of a disappointment by the end. It starts off very good, but sharply declines from the midway point.

'The Misadventures of Merlin Jones' is practically split into two stories, one about the ability to read minds and one about hypnosis. The former is entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the latter is extremely stagnant and slow paced. The film loses all of the promising momentum that it previously builds.

Onto the cast, this is arguably Tommy Kirk's best performance to date with Disney. He is excellent as the titular character, adding a strong and fitting demeanour to the role. Annette Funicello (Jennifer) and Leon Ames (Holmsby) are noteworthy too.

Overall, it's a shame the production didn't finish how it started - I'd be rating this higher if it had. Still, this is one that is worth a watch.

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