The theory of evolution has never been so zanily tested as it is in Bedtime for Bonzo starring future American President, Ronald Reagan (Desperate Journey). When Professor Peter Boyd (Reagan) proposes to the Dean’s daughter, there’s only one problem: her father. In an attempt to win his approval, he adopts a chimpanzee and sets out to prove “right and wrong” is learned, not inherited. He hires a beautiful young nursemaid to mother Bonzo, but will his fiancée believe it’s all just in the name of science? This hilarious romp proves some people will do anything for love. Film and TV veteran Frederick de Cordova (Buccaneer’s Girl) directs a fine cast that includes Diana Lynn (The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek), Walter Slezak (Lifeboat), Jesse White (Francis Goes to the Races) and Peggy the Chimp as the scene-stealing simian.
For thoughts on Bedtime For Bonzo, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Bedtime For Bonzo makes its Blu-Ray debut courtesy of Kino Classics with a brand new 1080p transfer from a 2K master. Outside of a few minor deficiencies that remain after the cleanup, this presentation is quite pleasing from beginning to end. Thanks to this transfer, you will be treated to a stellar amount of depth and enhanced detail within the film’s composition. The home where Peter and Jane are “playing house” with Bonzo is given a three dimensional feel that allows the world to feel more fully realized and textured. Black levels are healthy with no obvious instances of black crush or compression artifacts.
The contrast is really firm outside of a minimal amount of density fluctuation in the print. Both the clothing and the period production design delivers an admirable amount of detail and texture. Nicks and scratches have all but been eliminated completely, but eagle-eyed viewers may still spot a few spots of slight damage or faint vertical lines. The gorgeous natural film grain remains intact within the lovely black-and-white photography shot by Carl E. Guthrie. Kino Classics has done a swell job with this one.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray comes with an admirable DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that handles the material effectively. Dialogue and environmental noises are presented in harmony with all competing elements so that nothing gets drowned out in the mix. This track rarely presents anything outside of a small amount of age related wear and tear and some extremely faint hissing. The only element where the shortcoming is slightly more apparent is the music that sounds a bit thin, but even that likely dates back to the age and condition of the source elements. The score does not dominate the dialogue or other important information. Kino Classics has provided a stable track for this one. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles included for the feature film.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Film Historian Eddy Von Mueller delivers a really intriguing commentary track in which he discusses how this film impacted the career of Ronald Reagan, why this film is not as disposable as it seems, the careers of the remainder of the ensemble, the work of the chimpanzee, the place of Reagan in Hollywood and in politics at large and more. This provides a lot of great context that you might not be aware of otherwise.
- Trailers: The minute-long trailer is provided for Bedtime For Bonzo. There are also trailers provided for My Favorite Blonde, Francis Goes To The Races, No Time For Love and Murder, He Says.
Final Thoughts
Bedtime For Bonzo is exactly the type of light comedy which you expect it to be, and it does not have much ambition to be more than that. That is not to say that there is no emotion, as the “light” elements mostly come in the form of a budding romance. For a movie starring a chimpanzee, you might expect more lowbrow or slapstick humor than we get which actually works in its favor. The chimp is very cute and mischievous in a way that functions like “Baby” from Bringing Up Baby – you laugh at the situations these animals get themselves into while the lead couple falls deeper for one another in the background. The chemistry between Reagan and Diana Lynn is favorable even if some of the sexist dialogue stings the ear from a modern context. It’s not high art, but you will leave the picture feeling better than when you started. Kino Classics has delivered a Blu-Ray release that shows off a fetching A/V presentation and an informative commentary track. If you want a classic romantic comedy with some cute animal antics, this one is calling your name. Recommended
Bedtime For Bonzo is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Kino Classics has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.