THE LOVE BUG: From Nazi Symbol to Disney Icon

The year is 1933. Adolf Hitler rises to power over the German state. His far-reaching vision for the nation involves not only the discrimination of the Jewish minority, the establishment of a one-party system, and the launch of an effective propaganda machine. The Führer’s ambitions also extend into the realm of automobiles. That same year, in the city of Wolfsburg, he lays the cornerstone for what would become a monumental factory producing cars that symbolize every German’s dream. It is under the Volkswagen banner that engineer Ferdinand Porsche, commissioned by the chancellor, will create a vehicle designed to proudly represent fast and efficient travel from point A to point B. Who would have thought that 30 years after the first Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the production line, this very car would catch the eye of Walt Disney himself? That’s right. The family entertainment mogul, in search of a star for a racing-themed project, chose a design that had once been a symbol of the “happy life” within the Third Reich. “The Love Bug” is a light-hearted, entertaining film initiated by actor Dean Jones (younger generations might remember him as the diabolical veterinarian from Beethoven), whose collaboration with Disney lasted just a few years. One day, he visited his employer’s office holding a concept focused on the first cars to conquer American highways. However, Disney sensed greater potential in a story tentatively titled Car, Boy, Girl, penned by Gordon Buford, and that’s the project he greenlit. He entrusted the director’s chair to his trusted collaborator Robert Stevenson, who had previously delivered several Disney hits, including the Oscar-winning Mary Poppins (1964).

The plot centers on the fate of racecar driver Jim Douglas, whose career is starting to falter. More often than not, he returns from races not with a shiny trophy but with a wrecked car towed behind a truck. It seems his mechanic and best friend, Tennessee, benefits more from these races, as each new piece of scrap metal fuels his artistic projects. Jim’s disappointing streak also sparks financial worries. Determined to turn things around, he sets off to find a new racecar to reclaim his former glory. Fate intervenes when, at a luxury car dealership, it’s the car that finds him—literally. As you might expect in a story like this, Jim is initially skeptical about teaming up with a Volkswagen Beetle. Everything changes when he discovers that the Beetle he’s driving is actually… alive. Together, Jim and the Beetle—whom he names Herbie—become an unstoppable force on the racetrack, quickly attracting the attention of envious competitors.

“The Love Bug” is not a title that will ring many bells for the average Polish viewer. Some might even wonder if it’s a nature documentary. Nonetheless, the film was a massive success across the Atlantic. With a modest $5 million budget, it grossed $51 million at the box office. This opened the door for an entire franchise centered around the adventures of the lovable Beetle. Herbie went on to star in three sequels, a TV series, and two remakes—not to mention the more widely known Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) starring Lindsay Lohan and Michael Keaton, as well as a 1997 TV remake featuring Bruce Campbell behind the wheel. Clearly, even back then, Disney was not one to let a popular brand go to waste.

Stevenson’s film certainly doesn’t lack entertainment value. The story is simple but full of heart. At its core, it’s about an imperfect friendship between a man and an animated being, standing against the greed of others. It doesn’t win any points for originality when it comes to characters: the charismatic protagonist, the charming love interest, the comic relief sidekick, and, of course, the over-the-top villain representing a life of luxury versus the hero’s modest values. But the predictability isn’t an issue if you accept the film’s formula as a product of its time.

The real driving force behind the movie are the race sequences, which feel like pure fun for the inner child. The final race for ownership of Herbie is particularly thrilling—an exciting ride for fans of Wacky Races, the Hanna-Barbera cartoon that premiered around the same time. The humor, though not always brilliant, is frequent and charming enough to keep the audience smiling. A big part of the fun comes from the cast, especially two standout performances: Buddy Hackett as Jim’s loyal mechanic and roommate, whose fondness for Irish coffee and good-hearted nature make him instantly likable; and David Tomlinson (the memorable Mr. Banks from Mary Poppins) who steals the show as the cartoonishly villainous Thorndyke. His portrayal of the arrogant, unscrupulous antagonist fits the film’s whimsical tone perfectly and ensures there’s never a dull moment. Every scene featuring the scheming Thorndyke is a highlight. Special mention must also go to the catchy musical theme composed by Disney’s then-resident composer George Bruns, a four-time Oscar nominee.

“The Love Bug” may show its age with nearly 60 years of cinematic “rust,” but it remains a comfortable, nostalgic ride. If you can overlook the story’s naivety, the occasionally cheesy jokes, and even some darker moments (like the scene where a despondent Herbie attempts to drive off a bridge), it’s well worth joining Herbie for a trip through 1960s San Francisco. For those who love the feeling of wind in their hair and spending time with family, it’s the perfect pick.

Written by Krystian Miderski