The Barefoot Executive (1971)

From its "swinging" title song to its motorcycle-riding hero, The Barefoot Executive is a likeable, harmless little family diversion that younger audiences especially will enjoy. Older audiences will find it much more palatable than many other kid flicks, as well, thanks to a screenplay that has a little more originality to it than many other Disney offerings of the era. That's not to say that the screenplay is great; many of the situations are predictable and/or incredible and/or manipulative. But the basic premise is amusing, and the writers have come up with some fairly fresh twists here and there to keep things hopping. Barefoot also has Kurt Russell on hand, turning in one of his patented appealing performances. He's in very fine form here, as a young man with ideas and ambition who finds himself with a rare opportunity and an ethical dilemma. It's a part that Russell knew how to play perfectly, allowing the character to do a few things that were ethically questionable yet still maintaining audience sympathy throughout. The supporting cast features such character stalwarts as Joe Flynn, Harry Morgan and Wally Cox, turning in their usually dependable performances and helping to shore up some of the weaker elements in the story. Robert Butler's direction is crisp and direct, and he even keeps the "funny animal" routine from getting too cutesy. The sum is a very pleasant, nicely amusing, definitely family friendly little film. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide