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This article is written in American English. |
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How to Train Your Babysitter is a 1972 American independent comedy film directed by Thomas R. Ellison and produced by James T. Ishikawa through Maguro-Kani Productions. The film stars Barbara Feldon and introduces Carlos Alazraqui in his feature film debut. Distributed nationwide by American Intercontinental Distributing, it was released on July 13, 1972.
The story follows a mischievous nine-year-old boy who believes he can “train” his no-nonsense babysitter as if she were a pet, only to discover lessons about friendship and respect. The film received positive reviews upon release, praised for its gentle humor and heartwarming message. With a runtime of 89 minutes and a G rating from the Motion Picture Association of America, it became AID’s most successful national release and remains a cult favorite among fans of 1970s family comedies.
Plot[]
Nine-year-old Ricky Delgado is a lively, imaginative boy who fills his “Trainer’s Guidebook” with schemes on how to tame everything from dogs and frogs to adults. When his parents must attend a wedding out of town, Ricky is left in the care of Miss Harriet Plum, a stern but clever babysitter.
Convinced that babysitters can be trained like animals, Ricky sets out to teach Miss Plum to obey his rules. His tricks include blowing whistles, creating living room obstacle courses, and using cookies as “positive reinforcement.” Miss Plum, however, proves more resourceful than expected. She outwits Ricky at every turn—turning vegetables into a guessing game, luring him out of hiding with comic books, and calmly dodging his pranks.
Their battle of wills escalates into a comedic war of traps and counter-traps, but during a power outage caused by a storm, Ricky panics. Miss Plum comforts him and helps him face his fears, earning his admiration. By the end of the weekend, Ricky realizes that babysitters don’t need training—kids sometimes do. He awards Miss Plum a handwritten certificate as “Best Babysitter in the World,” marking the beginning of their unlikely friendship.
Cast[]
- Carlos Alazraqui as Ricky Delgado
- Barbara Feldon as Miss Harriet Plum
- Héctor Elizondo as Mr. Delgado
- María Elena Marqués as Mrs. Delgado
- Pamelyn Ferdin as Lucy
- Henry Jones as Mr. Dinkle
- John Fiedler as Principal Haddock
- Irene Tedrow as Mrs. Kravitz
- James T. Ishikawa as The Ice Cream Man (cameo)
Production[]
Producer James T. Ishikawa, known for his independent company Maguro-Kani Productions, conceived the film as a lighthearted family comedy aimed at both English-speaking and bilingual audiences. Casting director Sarah Blumenfeld discovered Carlos Alazraqui, then nine years old, in a Bay Area talent showcase. His precocious energy convinced director Thomas R. Ellison to cast him in the lead role.
Filming took place in Oakland and Concord, California, over six weeks in early 1972. Interiors were shot on modest sets, while suburban exteriors were filmed in real neighborhoods to preserve authenticity. Music was composed by Charles Fox, whose upbeat score complemented the slapstick sequences.
Release[]
How to Train Your Babysitter premiered on July 13, 1972, opening in Bay Area theaters before rolling out to Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, and eventually nationwide. Distributed by American Intercontinental Distributing, the film marked the company’s most ambitious release. It grossed approximately $8.6 million in U.S. and Canadian rentals, an impressive figure for a small distributor.
Reception[]
Contemporary reviews were largely positive. The Oakland Tribune called it “a charming and clever comedy that delights children and parents alike.” The San Francisco Chronicle praised Alazraqui’s debut as “an energetic performance full of natural humor.” National outlets such as Variety noted its “wholesome tone and marketable charm.”
The film’s brisk 89-minute runtime and G rating made it a popular choice for matinee programming and family outings during the summer of 1972.
Legacy[]
Although How to Train Your Babysitter did not spawn sequels, it became a cult favorite for fans of 1970s children’s cinema. The movie marked the debut of Carlos Alazraqui, who later became a well-known comedian and voice actor. For American Intercontinental Distributing, it represented the company’s only widely recognized mainstream hit before ceasing operations in 1985.
The film occasionally resurfaces in retrospective family-comedy screenings, and collectors of 16mm and VHS prints regard it as a nostalgic gem of independent American cinema.