Dennis the Menace (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dennis the Menace |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Nick Castle |
| Produced by |
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| Written by | John Hughes |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Jerry Goldsmith |
| Cinematography | Thomas E. Ackerman |
| Editing by | Alan Heim |
| Studio | Hughes Entertainment Hank Ketcham Enterprises |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
| Release date(s) | June 25, 1993 |
| Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $35 million |
| Money made | $117.2 million |
Dennis the Menace is a fun family comedy film from 1993. It is based on the popular Hank Ketcham comic strip of the same name. The movie was directed by Nick Castle and written by John Hughes. Warner Bros. released it for everyone to enjoy.
The story is about a mischievous boy named Dennis (Mason Gamble). He often causes trouble for his next-door neighbor, Mr. George Wilson (Walter Matthau). Dennis also hangs out with his friends Joey and Margaret. His loyal dog, Ruff, is always by his side. The film even features Jeannie Russell from the original TV show in a small role.
Dennis the Menace came out on June 25, 1993. It was a big success, earning $117.2 million around the world. This was much more than its $35 million budget. Even though some critics didn't love it, audiences did! Later, two more movies were made: Dennis the Menace Strikes Again (1998) and A Dennis the Menace Christmas (2007). These sequels had different actors.
Story of the Film
Dennis Mitchell is a five-year-old boy who loves to play. He often causes funny problems, especially for his neighbor, Mr. George Wilson. Mr. Wilson is retired and likes peace and quiet. One day, Dennis thinks Mr. Wilson is sick and tries to give him medicine with a slingshot!
Dennis's parents, Henry and Alice, try to teach him good manners. They often leave him with friends like Joey and Margaret. The children like to fix up an old treehouse in the woods. Meanwhile, a traveling thief named Switchblade Sam arrives in town. He starts robbing houses.
Dennis accidentally makes a mess with paint in the garage. Mr. Wilson thinks Dennis is causing trouble again. Later, Dennis's babysitter Polly invites her boyfriend over. Dennis plays a prank on them by ringing the doorbell and hiding. Mr. Wilson gets caught in the middle of the prank! He ends up covered in bath water and flour. The Chief of Police notices the robberies happening in town.
Dennis tries to apologize to Mr. Wilson. He plays with Mr. Wilson's dentures and accidentally loses two teeth. He replaces them with candy, right before Mr. Wilson has his picture taken! Dennis's parents go on business trips. No one wants to babysit Dennis, so Mr. Wilson's kind wife, Martha, agrees to let him stay with them. She treats Dennis like the child they never had.
Mr. Wilson gets very annoyed when Dennis spills water. He also finds that Dennis swapped his nasal spray with mouthwash. Then he finds toilet cleaner in his mouthwash bottle! Dennis lets his dog, Ruff, into the house. Mr. Wilson mistakes Ruff for Martha in the dark. In the attic, Dennis's playfulness almost causes a canoe to fall on Mr. Wilson.
Mr. Wilson is very proud of his garden. He is hosting a big "Summer Floraganza" party. He has been growing a rare orchid for almost forty years, and it will finally bloom that night. During the party, Dennis accidentally opens the garage door. This makes the refreshment table flip over! Dennis is sent inside.
While everyone waits for the flower to bloom, Switchblade Sam robs the house. He steals Mr. Wilson's valuable coin collection. Dennis sees what happened and tells everyone. This distracts them, and they miss the brief blooming of the orchid, which then dies. Mr. Wilson is very angry and scolds Dennis. Sad, Dennis runs away into the woods. Switchblade Sam finds him there.
Dennis's parents come home and learn he is missing. The whole town starts looking for him. Even a guilty Mr. Wilson goes out to search. Switchblade Sam plans to leave town with Dennis as his hostage. Dennis cleverly shows Sam how to tie him up, but then handcuffs Sam instead! He loses the key. Dennis then finds Mr. Wilson's stolen coins and realizes Sam is the thief. Sam tries to get away but gets caught in a rope by a passing train.
The next morning, Dennis returns home with the captured Sam. Everyone in the neighborhood is so relieved! Sam is arrested. Dennis innocently tries to return Sam's switchblade knife. But Chief Bennett quickly closes the police car door on Sam's hand, making him drop the knife. Sam is then driven away.
Dennis and Mr. Wilson finally become friends. Alice mentions that her office now has a daycare. So, she can take Dennis to work. But Mr. Wilson insists he would be happy to watch Dennis himself. Just then, Dennis accidentally flings a flaming marshmallow onto Mr. Wilson's forehead! During the credits, Dennis gets his mother's coworker caught in the office photocopier.
Main Actors
- Mason Gamble as Dennis Mitchell
- Walter Matthau as Mr. George Wilson
- Joan Plowright as Martha Wilson
- Christopher Lloyd as Switchblade Sam
- Lea Thompson as Alice Mitchell
- Robert Stanton as Henry Mitchell
- Amy Sakasitz as Margaret Wade
- Kellen Hathaway as Joey
- Paul Winfield as Chief Bennett
- Natasha Lyonne as Polly
- Devin Ratray as Mickey
- Hank Johnston as Gunther Beckman
- Melinda Mullins as Andrea
- Billie Bird as Edith Butterwell
- Bill Erwin as Edward Little
- Arnold Stang as Photographer
- Ben Stein as Boss (a small appearance at a meeting)
- Jeannie Russell as Neighbor
Video Game Fun
This movie also inspired a video game! It was a platforming game for systems like the Amiga, Super NES, and Game Boy. Players could explore levels based on Mr. Wilson's house, the outdoors, and even a boiler room.
See also
In Spanish: Daniel el travieso (película de 1993) para niños
