Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo

Herbie, the lovable VW Beetle with a big heart and a mind of its own, is back again, this time racing through France. The third film, “Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo,” was released in 1977, is another in the franchise that focuses on simple joys, basic charms, and the car’s lively personality that makes it not only the support in the franchise as human friends come and go but one of the most recognizable faces/non-faces in movie history. Martin Liebman said in his review, “The car is again adorable this go-round, following many of the same basic antics as characters are taken for joyrides, as Herbie spits up oil on those who mock him, and this time, he plays a part in foiling a couple of bumbling criminals. It's a movie in high spirits and built for good, clean fun, delivering a tidy, well-paced little bit of family-friendly entertainment that, thanks to another great looking Disney Movie Club Blu-ray, holds up even today and, arguably, better than ever.”

Herbie does, indeed, go to Monte Carlo! The car and its driver, Jim Douglas (Dean Jones), and Jim’s friend and the car’s mechanic, the friendly Wheely Applegate (Deputy Sherriff Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show,” Don Knotts), have arrived in Paris. They’re there to participate in the Trans France Race Exposition where they face tough competition from several drivers, including German Bruno von Stickle (Eric Braeden) and fellow American Diane Darcy (Julie Sommars). Despite Jim not racing with Herbie in so many years, he and the car are the main attraction at the pre-race celebration. However, it’s not all fun and games. While everyone’s attention is on the cars and the drivers, bumbling thieves, played by Bernard Fox and Roy Kinnear, steal a large, precious diamond from a nearby vault. Freaking out when barely escaping, they drop the diamond in Herbie’s fuel tank, meaning the car isn’t just racing but also unwillingly stealing diamonds. He’ll have to pull out all the stops if he’s to win the race and save the day.

“Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo” might be the most illustrative of the series’ appeal and success. This a very fun, very brisk little movie where the car’s personality shines, the laughs rarely yield, the romance blooms with time, and the other drivers are rightly villainous, all the while outside interference – the jewel thieves – adds a bit of nerve and spirit to the movie beyond the track racing excitement. Liebman said, “All categories contribute to the film's agreeable presentation. Dean Jones' return is most welcome and Don Knotts, always good for a laugh or a few dozen, is the unquestioned comic highlight. Racing scenes are zippy and fun, the diverse vehicle roster is a pleasure to watch take their paces through the film, and the support elements and actors are right on the money.” This is basic entertainment done right.

“Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo” isn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be. It’s a fun movie on and off the race track. The performances are great, the movie is brisk, the laughs come regularly, and Herbie’s personality shines throughout.

The only complaint I have with the movie is that Herbie finds love in a Lancia Scorpion, which is driven by a French driver, Diane Darcy, played by Julie Sommers. Which questions people about what happened to Carole from the first movie. I cannot remember if they mentioned something about her in this movie, but they might have. Also, it feels strange that they would make a film about racing cars who fall in love, which seems farfetched. However, the film is still a good one to see, especially with the comedy from Knotts. Check it out on Disney+ and see for yourself.

Look out tomorrow when we look at the next installment in the franchise in “Disney Month 2023.”