“Boogedy, boogedy, boo!”
In 1986 Disney released a short made-for-television film on its The Disney Sunday Movie platform entitled Mr. Boogedy. Like many of Disney’s other films created just for television, this film featured an amazing cast of character actors and this one in particular starred three youngsters that were headed for bigger things.
The film tells the story of a family headed by Carlton and Eloise Davis who have recently moved to Lucifer Falls in order to open up a new store for the Gag City franchise. If the name of the town doesn’t throw you a clue as to what’s up, perhaps a few eagle-eyed viewers will catch the name of the “Devil May Care Realty” real estate agent: C.B. Karloff! Carlton (Richard Masur), along with his sons, Corwin (David Faustino) and R.E. (Benji Gregory), love playing jokes on the family, especially the oldest child, Jennifer (Kristy Swanson). Eloise (Mimi Kennedy), while not as enthusiastic about all of the pranks, tolerates them a lot more than Jennifer.
When the family arrives at their new home, a dilapidated “fixer upper,” they are greeted by the head of the local historical foundation, the odd Mr. Witherspoon (John Astin). He warns them to leave the home, but Carlton blows off his warnings as a joke. As the family settles in, however, strange things begin happening and the kids decide to investigate.
With the help of Mr. Witherspoon, the kids find out the terrible story of Mr. Boogedy and how he has trapped a young child in the house with him for over three hundred years while also forbidding the child’s mother to enter the home. The kids team up with their parents to battle Mr. Boogedy and help the mother and son. Do they win? Watch Mr. Boogedy on Disney+ to find out!
The film is cheesy fun that was standard for the 1980’s. It isn’t too scary at all, but it does drum up a few chills for youngsters. There’s one particular scene in which R.E. is apparently being attacked by a ghost that might scare little ones at first. The music by John Addison does a wonderful job of adding some eeriness to the atmosphere and builds up some solid suspense.
The cast features some amazing actors. Depending on your age at the time that you see this film, you will probably recognize at least one or two of the film’s stars. For older audiences, John Astin will be immediately recognized. He is perhaps best known for his role as Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, but his career has spanned decades and he has been in a number of significant roles. He also has a couple of famous children (one adopted) that I suggest you check out as well. Mimi Kennedy will be recognized by viewers for a number of roles that she has played over the years, but today’s audiences will know her from her supporting role on the sitcom Mom. Richard Masur has starred in numerous television shows and successful films over the years, primarily in supporting roles. You’ll know him from the original One Day At A Time, My Girl, Younger, or any number of other films and television series.
Those of us who grew up in the 1980’s and early 1990’s will definitely recognize the three Davis children. Mr. Boogedy was one of David Faustino’s earliest roles. One year later he would portray Bud Bundy on Married…With Children which would become one of the fledgling (at the time) Fox Network’s biggest shows. Faustino would remain with that series for the entirety of its eleven season run. While he has yet to achieve the level of success that he found as Bud, he continues to work to this day.
Benji Gregory was on the cusp of his own successful run on a television series as just a few months after appearing in Mr. Boogedy, he would star as young Brian Tanner for all four seasons of ALF. Gregory had guest starring roles in other shows as well including The A-Team and Punky Brewster. Gregory continues to act to this day.
While she didn’t achieve the level of popularity in a television series that her film siblings did, Kristy Swanson will forever be Buffy Summers for fans of the cult classic film Buffy The Vampire Slayer. The 1992 film spawned the wildly successful series of the same name and Swanson is permanently linked to the series despite not portraying the role that she made famous. Swanson appeared in a number of popular films throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s including The Chase, Flowers In The Attic, and Hot Shots!. She was also in The Phantom, one of my personal favorite films. She continues to act and has appeared on both film and television.
I enjoyed Mr. Boogedy. It’s not the greatest film in the world but it’s a fun little family creeper that features a ton of great actors. If you have youngsters in your family, definitely give this film a look for Halloween.
Thanks for reading my post. I’ll see you guys tomorrow!
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