Dean Jones has a film resume that spans 50 years. He's most popular starring in a number of live action Disney films. I think it's important to remember these actors and actresses who are quickly being forgotten due to the current Hollywood swoon with movie "remakes."
I can't stand the plethora of remakes especially a couple of my faves starring Dean Jones! All the more despicable is they were remade starring such tabloid fodder as Lindsay Lohan!
While Dean worked in a number of other pictures, here are my favorite Dean Jones Disney films:
1. The Love Bug (Herbie) (1968)
Fun movie from the start. One of the true Disney classics. Does it get any better? Race Cars, Buddy Hackett and of course George Tomlison (George Banks, from Mary Poppins). Dean is a down and out racer who comes into possession of an unassuming little VW bug. I imagine most young viewers today would expect this car to transform into a robot with every CGI graphic available. Not So! This has great race scenes and more '60s nostalgia than you can throw a tie dye shirt at. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064603/
2. Beethoven (1994)
Okay, this isn't a Disney film, BUT, It's not everyday you get to see Dean Jones as the villain. Well, here's your chance! In this movie Charles Grodin gives in to his children's wishes for a pet and ends keeps a rather large (and lost) Saint Bernard. This is all fine and good, but the real fun starts at the opening scene when Dean Jones is revealed to be a crooked vet making side money by selling dogs for experiments. Dean's rough voice is more grizzled in this film making him appear devious and deceitful. He actually does it well. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103786/#comment
3. The Shaggy D.A. (1976)
I was watching the original "The Shaggy Dog" the week after Christmas and it immediately brought my attention back to the Dean Jones's version. In this movie, Dean Jones reprises the role as Wilby Daniels. He is running for District Attorney at the same time a ring he was cursed with years prior is stolen and sold. This leads to unexpected "changes" every time the ring inscription is read. This is good clean fun that re-teams him with Suzanne Pleshette. This movie is '70s galore. Loud suits, roller derbie events and headphones the size of coconuts. You can't overlook Tim Conway in this film. Hilarious as always. Not to mention Vic Tayback as one of the goons. He is probably best remembered as the grease spoon owner from the '70s sitcom 'Alic'. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075200/
4. That Darn Cat (1965)
This never needed remade. So many wonderful supporting actors and actresses. Listen to this list, Hayley Mills (nothing else need said), Roddy McDowell (Planet of the Apes), Ed Wynn (Remember his bit from Mary Poppins?), Frank Gorshin (by far the best villain laugh of all time; aka: The Riddler!) What a cast! Add these together with a neurotic FBI agent (Jones); a wonderful '60 soundtrack (compare this soundtrack to 'The Incredibles') and a great plot and you have a winner!! oh yeah and a cat too......http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059793/
5. The Ugly Dachshund (1966)
This is probably my favorite Dean Jones movie of all time. I love this from start to finish. This is in the heart of the '60s. A married couple with two separate beds, Perry Como cardigans, turf, not grass, etc. This movie teams Dean with Suzanne and they make the perfect couple. He is stubborn while she is pretentious and they play off these traits wonderfully. You can tell Suzanne is having a blast in this movie. This is a movie that even your own dogs will enjoy. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061135/
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