He's back! Dennis the Menace Mitchell (Maxwell Perry Cotton) is about to put on a show, with his school class' Thanksgiving play. In the audience are his adoring parents, Henry (George Newburn) and Alice (Kim Schraner) as well as grouchy neighbor, George Wilson (Robert Wagner) and his long-suffering wife Martha (Louise Fletcher). But, naturally, the play doesn't go off as planned. Dennis lets the live turkey out early, for a drink of water, and the play's gal-star is allergic to feathers and starts screaming. Soon all heck breaks loose and the stage is in tatters. But, for the Mitchells, it goes from bad to worse, as they discover the school has a "Dennis clause" in its insurance plan and Henry and Alice will have to pay for the damage their son caused. Wow. Off Alice goes to a mall job as a gift wrapper, for the family needs more income to pay bills. But, having to take Dennis with her, it is not long until more havoc and damage is done. So, to keep her job, Alice arranges for Martha and George to babysit Dennis, much to the older man's chagrin. Naturally, Martha has to run to the supermarket and George naps, only to find Dennis has messed with his prized stamp collection. Uh oh. George is pretty hot and Dennis decides that his older neighbor needs the "Xmas spirit", a list his teacher compiled to make the holidays more enjoyable. This involves looking for gifts for Martha, making cookies and putting up a tree. But, at every turn, things go wrong and the Mitchells have so many bills, they fear they may to have to sell the house AND can not give Dennis the prized bicycle he covets for Christmas. But, can Mr. Wilson have a change of heart, especially after a visit from a Christmas angel? All right, this film may not be perfect but, I still found it good holiday entertainment, made for those kiddies who need help to pass the time until the big holiday arrives. Wagner, long a leading man hearthrob, is very nice as the grouchy Wilson, with Fletcher complimenting him well as his kinder wife. Cotton is as adorable as they come, although perhaps more innocent than mischievous. Newburn is one very handsome, kind father figure, hope he pops up in more films soon, and Schraner is also lovely in her understanding-mother role. The film, most likely on a lower budget, has nice sets, costumes, and camera work while the storyline, which is a heavy borrower from other flicks, is certainly lively enough to please most everyone. All in all, if you are looking for a good holiday film for your loved ones, this is one to consider.
