Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Now You See Him, Now You Don't

film

Now You See Him, Now You Don't

1972

Dexter Riley is a science student at Medfield College who inadvertently invents a liquid capable of rendering objects and people invisible. Before Dexter and his friends, Debbie and Richard Schuyler, can even enjoy their spectacular discovery, corrupt businessman A.J. Arno plots to get his greedy hands on it. Slapstick hijinks ensue as Dexter and his pals try to thwart the evil Arno before he can use the invisibility spray to rob a bank.

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? G-rated family comedy with cartoonish peril, a bee attack, robbery, an invisible-car chase, and arrests. The science and plot may be easiest for early elementary viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Some potential for college-aged product placement, but none prominent or overtly commercial.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No blood or graphic injuries depicted.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language consistent with G-rated entertainment of the era.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

The main young characters are presented as friends, with no clear dating or kissing in the supplied plot. Any romantic element is likely brief and innocent.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Very mild tension during scenes where criminals are invisible, but played for laughs rather than fear.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal, non-glamorized depictions of adult behavior if any, but largely absent.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Mostly slapstick, chase sequences, and cartoonish confrontations with criminals. No realistic or harmful violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show initiative in standing up to criminals to protect their school.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Invention, scientific experimentation, imaginative invisibility scenarios, and inventive problem-solving drive the story.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited by the casting norms of 1970s American cinema.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Inspires interest in scientific curiosity, though the science is pure fantasy.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Cooperation among friends is a core driver of the plot.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Teamwork, ingenuity, persistence, and using science responsibly help protect the college and stop criminals.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are motivated, intelligent, and work together, though they are typical high-jink prone film students.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Now You See Him, Now You Don't would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Now You See Him, Now You Don't, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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