Zebra in the Kitchen
| Zebra in the Kitchen | |
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| Directed by | Ivan Tors |
| Produced by | Ivan Tors (producer) Harry Redmond Jr. (producer) Ralph Helfer (associate producer) |
| Screenplay by | Art Arthur (screenplay) Elgin Ciampi (play) |
| Starring | Jay North Martin Milner Andy Devine Joyce Meadows Jim Davis Dorothy Green |
| Music by | Warren Barker |
| Cinematography | Lamar Boren |
| Editing by | Warren Adams |
| Studio | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
| Release date(s) | June 1965 |
| Running time | 92 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Zebra in the Kitchen is a 1965 American family comedy film, produced and directed by Ivan Tors. The film stars Jay North in his first leading feature film role, Martin Milner, Andy Devine, and Joyce Meadows, and tells the story of a 12-year-old boy's love and compassion for the animals he finds living at his local zoo. Originally released by MGM as a children's matinee feature, the film has subsequently been released on VHS and DVD by Warner Bros.' family entertainment division.
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[edit] Synopsis
When Chris Carlyle (Jay North) moves with his parents from the farm to the city, he secretly takes with him his woodland friend, a full-grown mountain lion. The problems surface when the mountain lion strolls around his new neighborhood, his friendliness mistaken for predatory habits. The neighbors get into an uproar and Chris is forced to allow his friend to be relocated to the city zoo.
When Chris visits the zoo to see his feline friend, he is horrified to discover that not only the mountain lion, but all the animals are confined in cramped cages, unhappy and unhealthy. Stirred by the plight of the animals, Chris "borrows" the keys from the zoo-keeper and sets every animal in the zoo free. Taking advantage of their newfound freedom, the animals wander happily about the city, providing a series of amusing situations and panicked townspeople.
[edit] Cast
- Jay North ... Chris Carlyle
- Martin Milner ... Dr. Del Hartwood
- Andy Devine ... Branch Hawksbill
- Joyce Meadows ... Isobel Moon
- Jim Davis ... Adam Carlyle
- Dorothy Green ... Anne Carlyle
- Karen Green ... Wilma Carlyle
- Vaughn Taylor ... Councilman Pew
- John Milford ... Sgt. Freebee
- Tristram Coffin ... Councilman Lawrence
- Merritt Bohn ... Chief of Police
- Robert Clarke ... Sheriff
- Percy Helton ... Mr. Richardson
- Jimmy Stiles ... Tim
- Dal Jenkins ... Kookie
- Gordon Wescourt ... Ribs
- Gary Judis ... Greenie
- Robert Lowery ... Preston Heston
- Wayne Thomas ... Newscaster
- Doodles Weaver ... Nearsighted Man
- Jon Lormer ... Judge
- Vince Barnett ... Man in Manhole
- Phil Arnold ... Man in Tub
[edit] Production
Principal photography began in July 1964,[1] and was Jay North's first starring role after the cancellation of his hit television series Dennis the Menace.[2] The film was produced and directed by Ivan Tors, who had become well known for his work with children and animals with the success of his MGM films Rhino! and Flipper,[2] as well as the Flipper television series.[3] The film's theme song, "Zebra in the Kitchen" was written by young North's uncle and on-set guardian, Hal Hopper and was performed by The Standells.
During a scene where a man (played by Eddie Quillan) watches television, extracts from the 1934 MGM comedy, Hollywood Party are used, featuring Laurel and Hardy and Lupe Vélez; Quillan himself also had a part in the 1934 film.
[edit] References
- ^ "'Zebra in the Kitchen' first of 4 for family". Ottawa Citizen. July 11, 1964. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Gr0yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Fe0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1268,2405458&dq=zebra-in-the-kitchen&hl=en.
- ^ a b "Jay North Making Comeback At Age 12". The Montreal Gazette. July 31, 1964. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cpotAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iZ4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2943,5405827&dq=zebra+in+the+kitchen&hl=en.
- ^ "Dennis, More Menacing In 'Zebra in the Kitchen'". The Windsor Star. July 24, 1965. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6jM_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=aFEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2229,2046158&dq=zebra-in-the-kitchen&hl=en.
