The new episode of Dyer’s Daily is now available to stream and download on most podcast directories.
Jamie Dyer discusses his love of the 1980 film Herbie Goes Bananas, a sequel in Disney’s Herbie franchise. Other films in the series include The Love Bug (1969), Herbie Rides Again (1974), and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977).
This episode forms part of the Dyer’s Daily Disney100 series, celebrating 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. Jamie speaks off the cuff in each three-minute slot about a Disney-related subject that interests him.
Stream this episode below:
Transcription:
It’s fair to say that growing up as a kid in the 90s, I did seem to like old films about cars that did very unusual things. I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned this before, but one of my favourite films of all time is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). And no matter how much ridicule I receive, I still think of that musical as one of the greatest pieces of film to ever grace celluloid, and possibly Dick Van Dyke’s greatest performance. The other film that I grew up watching a lot as a kid was basically the last in a series. And as I find out, possibly the worst; But there’s still a little bit of me that pines for that nostalgia of watching this as a kid and being amazed by the things that happen, despite the fact that in context it’s very stupid.
“Herbie Goes Bananas” is a 1980 comedy adventure film, and the fourth instalment of the “Love Bug” film series, made by Walt Disney Productions. Starring Herbie, the white Volkswagen Beetle ugh, with a mind… That’s the last time I read off of Wikipedia; But, yeah, I loved this movie growing up. I had no idea who any of the people were. I didn’t know who Cloris Leachman was or Harvey Korman. I had no idea. I just loved the idea of this car coming to life and getting into a bullring and facing a bad guy who, to me, looked a little bit like Roger Moore. Yeah, you go and watch it, you’ll see what I mean; But the fact I knew who Roger Moore was, wow.
But this movie, as silly as it is, as daft as it is, and really it’s come out much too late. It’s 1980 when it’s released, and they’ve already made three movies by this point. You know, Monte Carlo, and, and the original The Love Bug, and one that escapes me. The Love Bug I’ve seen a couple of times since, and I think I prefer it; Mainly because of Buddy Hackett. I think his performance in that is great. It just works as a movie, and it introduces everything, and I think maybe that’s what this, the fourth edition, is missing. It’s missing a bit of Dean Jones and Buddy Hackett action. It’s probably best that it was the last one.
But for me, that music at the end (of Herbie Goes Bananas) is always gonna have a sentimental place to me. It just reminds me of childhood, of the past, especially with kids singing. So yeah, I may watch it again someday for nostalgic reasons. It isn’t my favourite anymore, but I still have a nostalgia for it; It’s great. Go and watch it. It’s on Disney Plus right now. Herbie Goes Bananas.
ABOUT THE PODCAST: Jamie Dyer presents Dyer’s Daily, an off-the-cuff daily talk show podcast that discusses a number of media-related topics including television, film and music. Occasionally, Jamie gives his thoughts on topical events.
ABOUT THE HOST: Jamie Dyer started presenting on Radio in 2008, via Boston’s Stump Radio (Now Endeavour FM). His Radio credits include Teen FM, Spitfire Radio, Totally 80s FM, Angel Radio, 1Radio, One Radio, SouthWaves Radio and 1Focus Radio. He has also hosted syndicated shows including The Millennium Years, The Pop Show and The Jamie Dyer Show.
Jamie’s podcasts have included Nineties ‘n’ Noughties UK, Watching the Wireless, The Quo-Cast, The Week Before, SouthWaves Theatre and The Jamie Dyer Show.
