Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

film

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

1969

Some college students manage to persuade the town's big businessman, A. J. Arno, to donate a computer to their college. When the problem- student, Dexter Riley, tries to fix the computer, he gets an electric shock and his brain turns to a computer; now he remembers everything he reads. Unfortunately, he also remembers information which was in the computer's memory, like Arno's illegal businesses..

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Family-oriented comedy with mild peril, an attempted killing, kidnapping, electric shock, concussion, criminal gambling, and a car crash; the treatment is comedic and non-graphic. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick context

What parents should know

Family-oriented comedy with mild peril, an attempted killing, kidnapping, electric shock, concussion, criminal gambling, and a car crash; the treatment is comedic and non-graphic. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 8+Main watch-out: Frightening scenes 2/5
Recommendation 3/5
Review depth14 scored categories14 evidence notes

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

Keep going

What should you do next?

One review should lead naturally to the next useful choice.

Keep browsingSearch for another movieUse age, interests, vibe, or content preferences.Search →

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film features computers and a televised prize, but the supplied material does not indicate product-promotion messaging.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild name-calling or exclamations appropriate for the era's G-rating.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light, incidental flirting typical of college-setting films.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Minor tension involving kidnapping, but handled with comedy and light tones.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Criminals pursue and kidnap Riley; friends stage a comic rescue, and the criminals' escape ends in a police-car crash.

Checked and not flagged

No concern recorded in these categories

These categories were explicitly scored 0/5 in the published review. This is not a guarantee that every edition or reader experience is identical.

Death of a character · 0/5Alcohol or drugs · 0/5

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Students show courage by confronting criminals to help their friend.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The premise sparks imaginative thinking about computers and memory, while the students use inventive problem-solving during the rescue.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the narrow casting demographics common in 1969 American film.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The film touches on computers, memory, mathematics, languages, college learning, and quiz knowledge, mainly for comic adventure.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friends support Riley, rescue him, and work together for their college; cooperation is central to the resolution.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the value of friendship, teamwork, and integrity over shortcut-seeking behavior.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Friends cooperate to rescue Riley and expose criminals, although the students also engage in risky, impulsive schemes.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Something wrong with this guide? Report age, caution, series, cover, or title issues.