FREAKY FRIDAY (1976, U.S.)

Freaky Friday

(1976, U.S.) color 95 minutes
Walt Disney Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures
Story & Screenplay: Mary Rodgers (from her novel)
Songs: Joel Hirschhorn, Al Kasha
Music: Johnny Mandel
Cinematography: Charles F. Wheeler
Produced by Tom Leetch, Ron Miller
Directed by Gary Nelson

With: Barbara Harris (Ellen Andrews), Jodie Foster (Annabel Andrews), John Astin (Bill Andrews), Patsy Kelly (Mrs. Schmauss), Dick Van Patten (Harold Jennings), Vicki Schreck (Virginia), Sorrell Booke (Principal Dilk), Alan Oppenheimer (Mr. Joffert), Ruth Buzzi (Opposing Coach), Kaye Ballard (Coach Betsy), Marc McClure (Boris Harris), Marie Windsor (Mrs. Murphy), Sparky Marcus (Ben Andrews), Ceil Cabot (Miss McGuirk), Brooke Mills (Miss Lucille Gibbons), Karen Smith (Mary Kay Gilbert), Marvin Kaplan (Carpet Cleaner), Al Molinaro (Drapery Man), Iris Adrian (Bus Passenger), Barbara Walden (Mrs. Benson), Shelly Juttner (Hilary Miller), Charlene Tilton (Bambi), Lori Rutherford (Jo-Jo), Jack Sheldon (Lloyd), Laurie Main (Mr. Mills), Don Carter (Delivery Boy), Fuddle Bagley (Bus Driver), Fritz Feld (Mr. Jackman), Dermott Downs (Harvey Manager), James Van Patten (Cashier), Pamleyn Ferdin (Anabelle's girlfriend, uncredited)

***

In 1977, Walt Disney Productions delved into the realm of science-fantasy with the release of FREAKY FRIDAY. Based on the book by Mary Rodgers (daughter of legendary Broadway composor-producer Richard Rodgers), the film tells the story of a rebellious teenage girl Anabelle Andrews (Jodie Foster) who refuses to conform to the strict lifestyle dictated by her mother (Barbara Harris) and father (John Astin).

Although her mother wants Anabele to adhere to her rules, Mrs. Andrews wishes that she could have the fun-loving lifestyle of her daughter, and not be tied down by her housework.

On this particular Friday, the two ladies have their secret wishes fulfilled. That morning, prior to heading for school and while Mrs. Andrews is in the midst of he housework, the two wish to switch personalities, and they do. Mrs. Andrews adopts Anabelle’s personality, and Anabelle starts acting like her mother.

Mrs. Andrews is having trouble trying to keep the house clean, dealing with the contractors and getting dinner ready for important clients which her husband is having at the house that evening. Anabelle is doing well in her studies, but she is refusing to participate in her land hockey game which results in her team losing out to the team from a rival school.

She also doesn't want to perform in her water-skiing show that her father wants to star in for the benefit of his clients, important realty developers (Alan Oppenheimer and Dick Van Patten). Nevertheless, Andrews and Anabelle's friends force the girl to change into her water-skiing costume and slide into the bay. (One of Anabelle’s girlfriends is played by the delightful Pamelyn Ferdin, best remembered as the voice of Lucy Van Pelt in the film A BOY NAMED CHARLIE BROWN, as well as Edna Unger on TV's “The Odd Couple”.)

Sensing that her daughter is in trouble, Mrs. Andrews finds Anabelle's boyfriend Boris (Marc McClure, who a year later would play Jimmy Olsen in SUPERMAN) to find her daughter and save her. Riding in the young fellow's car, Mrs. Andrews, Boris and her son (Sparky Marcus, Ogelvie on TV's “The Bad News Bears”) head for the Water-Skiing Show.

Poor Anabelle is flying high over the bay and is starting to panic; her mother is also sensing the girl's fright, and they both wish that had their own personalities again. Before you know it, the two are returned to normal, except that Mrs. Andrews is hanging onto the glider and panicking, and Anabelle is behind the wheel of Boris' car!

Mrs. Andrews hangs onto the glider, flying wildly over the bay, until she crashes into the reviewing stand and sends her husband, and his clients, into the water. Despite this mishap, all ends happily as Andrews receives good responses from his clients for the “comedic” water show, and they hire him to advertise their new condos by the bay.

Mrs. Andrews has the kids go out for pizza; they are getting ready to pick up the pizza pies, when we hear Andrews and his son wish to change places. Oh No! Not Again!

***

I first saw FREAKY FRIDAY at The Dale Theater in the Bronx. The film is a hilarious comedy with wit, charm and fine performances from the cast. Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris are funny and charming as Anabelle and her mom. John Astin is enjoyable as the befuddled patriarch. Marcus and McClure are also funny as the snotty little brother and bemused boyfriend. There are also some wonderful cameos from the supporting cast: Marie Windsor (Madame Rondtreu in ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY) and Fritz Feld (the beloved dialect comic actor who made a trademark “popping” sound when he slapped his hand against his mouth) as Anabelle's put upon typing and music teachers. Pamelyn Ferdin is hilarious as one of Anabelles’s girlfriends. Kaye Ballard (Kaye Buel of “The Mothers In Law” TV Show) and Ruth Buzzi (Glaydis Horni on “Rowan And Martin's Laugh In!”) add to the comedy as the bickering land hockey coaches. Patsy Kelly (of the popular movie comedy team of Thelma Todd & Patsy Kelly) gives a memorable performance as the drunk, wisecracking housekeeper Mrs. Schmaus. FREAKY FRIDAY is a fine family comedy, miles ahead of the forgettable remake with Jamie Lee Curtis.

- Kevin S. Butler

Video/DVD availability: VHS/DVD (Buena Vista Home Video)