The Moon-Spinners
Directed by James Nielson
Written by Michael Dyne from a book by Mary Stewart
1964/US/UK/Argentina
Walt Disney Productions
First viewing/Amazon Instant
[box] Aunt Frances Ferris: I don’t know why one always thinks that foreigners will suddenly understand English if one shouts.[/box]
This good family adventure from Disney features Haley Mills’s first screen kiss.
Nicky Ferris ( Mills) is accompanying her Aunt Frances (Joan Greenwood) while she records folk songs on the island of Crete. When the two arrive at the inn they have reserved in the village, Stratos (Eli Wallach),the brother ef the proprietress, denies them rooms. The situation is remedied for at least one night. Nicky becomes aquainted with the other Brit at the inn, Mark Camden (Peter McEnery) who is slightly older than herself. They have fun at the raucous Greek Wedding occupying the inn and the entire village.
The next day brings high adventure. Mark has somewhow earned the emnity of Stratos and been wounded in the process. Nicky tries to help him and puts her own life in danger. The reason for all the trouble is kept a secret until near the end. With silent film star Pola Negri in her final film performance as “Madame Habib”.
I tend to like Haley Mills and she is very good in this. As a thriller it isn’t a challenge to Hitchcock or anything but does keep you guessing straight through.
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