Review of The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (1964) by Adam R — 12 Apr 2013

Really sweet and wholesome movie, if a little episodic. I loved both Tommy Kirk and Annette; they really made the movie. The madcap antics are typical of Disney comedies of the 1960s, and this film is by far the funniest one I've seen...so far. Director Robert Stevenson doesn't disappoint with his flair for family friendly wit and comedic timing.

One can plainly see that this film was originally conceived as a two-part miniseries for the Disney Anthology TV show; it is essentially two separate stories in one movie. But they are both enjoyable, no nothing lost there.

The film's greatest strength is its moral question it poses. Merlin discovers that the power to read people's minds can do some good, but it is also overwhelming for our human brain. In our sinful nature, we often jump to conclusions about people's actions and behavior. Imagine if we could interpret thoughts, too! There is a reason God did not give us the ability to read minds...and it's another reason to respect and admire a God who can.