Supremely confident 81-year-old bachelor and business mogul Jack Watson (robustly played with rascally charm to spare by George Burns) has his mischievous spirit placed into the body of his nice, but nebbishy 18-year-old grandson David (a fine and likeable performance by Charlie Schlatter) and vice versa.
Director Paul Flaherty not only keeps the enjoyable story moving along at a snappy pace, but also maintains an amiable good-natured tone throughout. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an able and enthusiastic cast: Tony Roberts as Jack's earnest, but underappreciated son Arnie, Anita Morris as vampy gold-digging tramp Madeline, Miriam Flynn as Arnie's perky wife Betty, Red Buttons as Jack's loyal old pal Charlie, Jennifer Runyon as the sweet Robin Morrison, Bernard Fox as snooty butler Horton, Kenneth Tigar as smarmy history professor Swivet, and Pauly Shore as David's loopy buddy Barrett. Schlatter captures Burns's distinctive mannerisms well and has a ball with his juicy role as Jack surmounts David's wimpiness and makes the kid a big man on campus. Best of all, there's some genuine touching heart to go along with the expected laughs. A nice little film.
Director Paul Flaherty not only keeps the enjoyable story moving along at a snappy pace, but also maintains an amiable good-natured tone throughout. Moreover, it's acted with zest by an able and enthusiastic cast: Tony Roberts as Jack's earnest, but underappreciated son Arnie, Anita Morris as vampy gold-digging tramp Madeline, Miriam Flynn as Arnie's perky wife Betty, Red Buttons as Jack's loyal old pal Charlie, Jennifer Runyon as the sweet Robin Morrison, Bernard Fox as snooty butler Horton, Kenneth Tigar as smarmy history professor Swivet, and Pauly Shore as David's loopy buddy Barrett. Schlatter captures Burns's distinctive mannerisms well and has a ball with his juicy role as Jack surmounts David's wimpiness and makes the kid a big man on campus. Best of all, there's some genuine touching heart to go along with the expected laughs. A nice little film.