The Barefoot Executive

The Secret To Success Is Pure Monkey Business

1971 • 96 min • Comedy · Family

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Synopsis

In the great Disney tradition of wild family fun, a young Kurt Russell stars as Steven Post - an ambitious mailroom clerk at a second-rate TV network. With his eye on the boardroom, and getting nowhere with the studio's top dog, he makes a career-changing discovery. His girlfriend's lovable pet chimp can pick a hit show every time! His secret for success turns into a madcap monkey business when he makes vice president and jealous rivals want in on the act. Ride along with narrow escapes and a classic cast featuring Joe Flynn and Harry Morgan in a comedic climb up the corporate ladder that will leave you howling for more!

Our family guide

Best from age 6

Movie Knight Score

49 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 52%
56 Audience · 48 · 48%

A mailroom clerk discovers his girlfriend's pet chimpanzee can predict hit TV shows, leading to a madcap climb up the corporate ladder. With rival executives trying to uncover his secret, he navigates a series of comedic escapades. This G-rated Disney film is full of wild, family-friendly fun.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some slapstick comedy involving falls and chases
A chimpanzee is central to the plot
Minor peril during escapes

What it models well

Ingenuity and creative problem-solving
Working hard to achieve goals
Loyalty to friends and pets

Talk about it after

How hard work can lead to success
The ethics of using a secret advantage
Dealing with jealousy and competition

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Barefoot Executive. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

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Top billed cast

Director: Robert Butler • Crew: Joseph L. McEveety, Lila Garrett, Bernie Kahn, Stewart C. Billett

Trailers & clips

The Barefoot Executive (1971) ♦RARE♦ Theatrical Trailer

The Barefoot Executive - Intro

The Barefoot Executive - Abe Lincoln's Doctor's Dog

The Barefoot Executive

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
A film that deteriorates as it goes on. <em>'The Barefoot Executive'</em> begins in entertaining fashion, as it sets up the plot with Steven (Kurt Russell) and chimp Raffles. It's all enjoyable enough, it's a cool and amusing concept. The first act is good.…
r96sk, TMDB Community