Bedtime for Bonzo Poster

Bedtime for Bonzo 1951

★ 5.916 votes83 min📅 1951-04-05

"The funniest new idea on film since "FRANCIS!""

Step into the charming chaos of *Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)*, a quirky comedy-drama directed by Frederick de Cordova that blends science, slapstick, and heartwarming family moments.

Director: Frederick de Cordova

Cast

Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Professor Peter Boyd
Diana Lynn
Diana Lynn
Jane
Walter Slezak
Walter Slezak
Professor Hans Neumann
Lucille Barkley
Valerie Tillinghast
Jesse White
Jesse White
Babcock
Herbert Heyes
Herbert Heyes
Dean Tillinghast
Herb Vigran
Herb Vigran
Lt. Daggett
Harry Tyler
Harry Tyler
Knucksy
Edward Clark
Fosdick (as Ed Clark)
Edward Gargan
Edward Gargan
Policeman (as Ed Gargan)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bedtime for Bonzo (1951) about?

*Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)* follows a college professor who adopts a chimpanzee named Bonzo to prove his theory that environment shapes behavior. Their unconventional living arrangement leads to a series of comedic and heartwarming misadventures that test the boundaries of discipline, love, and scientific experiment.

Who directed Bedtime for Bonzo?

Frederick de Cordova directed *Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)*, bringing a playful yet thoughtful touch to this family-friendly comedy.

Who stars in Bedtime for Bonzo?

The film stars Ronald Reagan as Professor Peter Boyd, alongside Diana Lynn, Walter Slezak, and Jesse White in this charming ensemble cast.

Is Bedtime for Bonzo (1951) worth watching?

*Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)* may not break awards records, but its blend of comedy, family themes, and Reagan's charisma makes it a delightful time capsule of early 1950s entertainment. Fans of lighthearted, nostalgic films will likely find it charming and amusing.

How long is Bedtime for Bonzo?

*Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)* runs for 83 minutes, perfect for a cozy movie night.

🎥 Trailer

About Bedtime for Bonzo (1951) — Ronald Reagan Stars in This Classic Comedy with a Curious Chimp

Step into the charming chaos of *Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)*, a quirky comedy-drama directed by Frederick de Cordova that blends science, slapstick, and heartwarming family moments. When a dedicated but slightly uptight college professor, Peter Boyd (Ronald Reagan), finds himself on the brink of professional ruin, he devises an unconventional experiment to prove his theory that environment shapes behavior more than heredity. Enter Bonzo, a mischievous chimpanzee who becomes his unlikely lab partner—and the source of hilarious mishaps that challenge Boyd's patience and resolve. As the boundaries between human and primate blur, the film explores themes of discipline, love, and the unpredictable bonds between teacher and pupil, all wrapped in the cozy nostalgia of early 1950s family entertainment.

With its playful tone and Reagan's charismatic performance as the bumbling yet endearing professor, *Bedtime for Bonzo (1951)* delivers a mix of lighthearted humor and subtle social commentary. The film's mix of comedy and family drama, along with its unique premise, makes it a standout in the Golden Age of Hollywood's wholesome classics.