Quentin Tarantino Talks About the Joy He Felt Rewatching Disney's The Love Bug

The Love Bug is a 1968 American comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions, and it is one of the most beloved films in Disney's history. It was directed by Robert Stevenson and based on the 1961 novel Car, Boy, Girl by Gordon Buford. The movie features a sentient, lovable Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie, who has a mind of his own and is capable of driving, racing, and even falling in love.
Plot Overview:
The story revolves around a down-on-his-luck race car driver named Jim Douglas (played by Dean Jones), who is struggling to get his career back on track. His fortunes change when he inherits an old Volkswagen Beetle. However, this is no ordinary car-Herbie, as the car is called, is alive and has a quirky personality. Jim and his mechanic, Tennessee (played by Buddy Hackett), discover that Herbie has a unique ability to drive on its own and perform stunts that no regular car can.
The plot also includes a romantic subplot, where Jim falls in love with a fellow racer named Carol (played by Michele Lee). But Herbie is more than just a car; he has a mind of his own, and the love bug even plays a role in Jim's success as a racer and in his blossoming relationship with Carol.
Key Characters:
Herbie: The sentient, anthropomorphic Volkswagen Beetle that is central to the story. He has his own emotions, and the film shows how he "helps" Jim and others in various ways.
Jim Douglas (Dean Jones): The main human protagonist, a down-and-out race car driver who learns to appreciate Herbie's unique talents.
Tennessee (Buddy Hackett): Jim's quirky mechanic and sidekick who is often the comedic relief in the movie.
Carol (Michele Lee): Jim's love interest and fellow racer who also becomes involved in the race car antics.