San Francisco, 1968. The air crackles with the scent of exhaust fumes and burning ambition as struggling race car driver Jim Douglas wanders through a cluttered auto showroom, a symphony of clanking metal and haggling voices echoing around him. His fortunes are as busted as the wrecks he used to race, until a quirky, pearl-white Volkswagen Beetle with racing stripes catches his eye. Peter Thorndyke, the pompous and arrogant showroom owner, scoffs, dismissing the Bug as junk. But there’s something different about this car, a spark of personality that even Jim can’t ignore. Soon, with the help of his philosophical beatnik friend Tennessee Steinmetz, Jim discovers that this isn’t just any car, it’s Herbie, a car with a mind of its own and a heart set on winning. But Herbie’s unusual abilities also attract the attention of the unscrupulous Thorndyke, setting in motion a series of wild races and chaotic escapades, all while Jim finds himself falling for the beautiful Carole Bennett, whose own passion for racing might just be the key to unlocking Herbie’s full potential.
Movie Overview
| Title | The Love Bug |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1968-12-23 |
| Runtime | 107 minutes |
| Genre | Comedy, Family, Fantasy |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Dean Jones | Jim Douglas |
| Michele Lee | Carole Bennett |
| David Tomlinson | Peter Thorndyke |
| Buddy Hackett | Tennessee Steinmetz |
| Joe Flynn | Havershaw |
| Benson Fong | Mr. Wu |
| Andy Granatelli | Association President |
| Joe E. Ross | Detective |
| Iris Adrian | Carhop |
| Ned Glass | Toll Booth Attendant |
| Robert Foulk | Bice |
| Gil Lamb | Policeman at Park |
| Barry Kelley | Police Sgt. |
| Nicole Jaffe | Girl In Dune Buggy |
| Gary Owens | Announcer |
| Wally Boag | Flabbergasted Driver |
| Russ Caldwell | Boy in Dune Buggy |
| Max Balchowsky | |
| Peter Renaday | Policeman on Bridge |
| Brian Fong | Man Carrying Herbie |
| Alan Fordney | |
| Stan Duke | |
| Gary Owens | Race Announcer |
| Chick Hearn | Announcer |
| Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez | Mexican Driver |
| Dale Van Sickel | Driver |
| Regis Parton | Driver |
| Regina Parton | Driver |
| Fred Stromsoe | Driver |
Storyline
Jim Douglas, a perpetually unlucky race car driver, stumbles upon a seemingly ordinary 1963 Volkswagen Beetle in a dealership owned by the shrewd and arrogant Peter Thorndyke. Despite its unassuming appearance, Jim feels an inexplicable connection to the car, later named Herbie, and impulsively buys it. Soon, Jim discovers Herbie possesses a remarkable mind of his own and an uncanny ability to win races, leading him to unexpected victories and newfound fame. However, Thorndyke, consumed by envy and driven by his competitive nature, becomes obsessed with acquiring Herbie for himself, employing underhanded tactics and the help of his hapless assistant, Havershaw, to sabotage Jim’s racing career and steal the beloved car. As Jim and his newfound friend, Tennessee Steinmetz, a beatnik mechanic with a unique understanding of Herbie’s quirks, work to thwart Thorndyke’s schemes, a budding romance blossoms between Jim and Carole Bennett, Thorndyke’s assistant, who is won over by Jim’s sincerity and Herbie’s charm. The climax sees Jim and Herbie facing off against Thorndyke in a high-stakes race, where Herbie’s sentience and racing prowess are put to the ultimate test, leading to a thrilling and heartwarming finale where good triumphs over greed and the underdog wins the day.
Details
In the whimsical world of 1960s San Francisco, “The Love Bug” tells the story of Jim Douglas, a down-on-his-luck race car driver whose fortunes take an unexpected turn when he encounters Herbie, a spirited Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own. Initially skeptical, Jim soon discovers that Herbie is no ordinary car; he possesses a remarkable personality and an uncanny ability to win races. As Jim and Herbie begin their racing partnership, they attract the attention of Peter Thorndyke, a wealthy and unscrupulous car dealer who sees Herbie as a means to further his own ambitions. Thorndyke’s conniving schemes lead to a series of hilarious mishaps and thrilling races, testing the bond between Jim and Herbie. Amidst the high-octane action, Jim finds himself falling for Carole Bennett, a charming saleswoman who initially works for Thorndyke but is drawn to Jim’s genuine nature and Herbie’s undeniable charm. With the help of his friend Tennessee Steinmetz, Jim must outwit Thorndyke and his bumbling assistant Havershaw, proving that true success comes not from greed, but from friendship, loyalty, and a little bit of automotive magic. The film explores themes of underestimation, the power of believing in oneself, and finding love in unexpected places, all wrapped in a heartwarming and comedic package that celebrates the enduring spirit of the underdog.
FAQs
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What is the movie “The Love Bug” about?
It’s about a down-on-his-luck race car driver named Jim Douglas who teams up with Herbie, a VW Bug with a mind of its own. They realize Herbie’s value when a rival tries to steal him.
What are the genres of “The Love Bug”?
The movie falls into the categories of Comedy, Family, and Fantasy.
Who are the main actors in “The Love Bug”?
The main actors include Dean Jones as Jim Douglas, Michele Lee as Carole Bennett, and David Tomlinson as Peter Thorndyke.
When was “The Love Bug” released?
“The Love Bug” was released on December 23, 1968.
Who directed “The Love Bug”?
Robert Stevenson directed the movie.
Which production company made “The Love Bug”?
Walt Disney Productions produced “The Love Bug”.
What is Herbie?
Herbie is a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle with a personality of his own.
What is the tagline for “The Love Bug”?
The tagline is “Herbie will honk his way into your heart.”
What is the runtime of “The Love Bug”?
The movie’s runtime is 107 minutes.
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