The Moon-Spinners (1964)

That was an excellent one.

Good concept, poorly executed.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

The acting in this movie is really good.

While I was a great Hayley Mills fan during that era, I found this dumbed down Disney adaptation of Mary Stewart's engrossing novel disappointing. The story revolves around a young girl, Nikki Ferris, who travels with her aunt to the Greek island of Crete. While there, Nikki and a handsome young love interest named Mark become involved in unearthing a case of jewel theft and murder, all in connection with the hotel's surly, unwelcoming owner and her villainous brother, Stratos.My complaints are numerous. For starters, Stewart's heroine is supposed to be a young woman in her early 20's...smart, independent, and competent though ultimately vulnerable to the unfolding events. Hayley Mills, much as I like this actress, just seemed totally wrong for the role. Stewart's Nicola simply isn't intended to be the perky, whiny, fresh faced teenager, Nikki, that is portrayed here by Mills. Also, although there is a budding romance involved, the novel is essentially a mystery thriller. This movie seems more a teen romantic comedy with a few mystery / suspense elements thrown in. Some have aptly described Nikki's relationship with Mark as puppy love. In the novel Nicola is older and it's a genuine romance. I loved the book which I read as a teenager myself and really admired Nicola, who's such an intelligent heroine. It was so difficult for me to get past her age & character transformation and the different genre given to the tale that I failed to enjoy this movie. Really, the entire plot of this Disney flick deviates so much from the novel that most of the time, I would hardly have recognized it.However, there is lovely Greek scenery and it's undoubtedly an entertaining film for those who haven't read the book. I don't begrudge anyone their enjoyment of it. Hayley gets her first screen kiss here from Peter McEnery who portrays Mark. Also, I'd definitely recommend this movie for viewing by young people, as it's a whole lot more inspiring than most of what's out there these days. Just whatever you do, don't read the novel first! I repeat...DO NOT READ THE BOOK FIRST.

Based on Mary Stuart's novel, The Moon-Spinners is a nice and amusing adventure comedy. Constructed a little bit like an Hitchcock movie, where tension is building up slowly but surely and where many characters are not always what they seem to be, it is filled with memorable scenes (the escape from the windmill, for example) and good humor. Although she may not be as sparkling as in Pollyanna or The Parent Trap, Hayley Mills is nevertheless still the star of the show, both charming and endearing. Furthermore, as a beautiful grown up, she is portraying a modern heroin, not afraid to take charge of her own detective work. As the villain, Eli Wallach is also particularly brilliant. Eventually, the music and, especially, the title song by Terry Gilkyson are lively and enchanting.

I loved this movie. I first saw it when I was seven years old, so I developed my first crush on Haley Mills. I remember staring at a full moon and being transported to the Greek isles and holding hands with her and going on all sorts of adventures......sigh. and then there is The Truth About Spring and Search for the Castaways....a little boys heart was just a fluttering. Back to the Moon...I so wanted to be on that island to help her and her friend. I was all in knots during the wind mill adventure...wow for a seven year old that was very intense, especially for a country boy. I remember yelling at the movie screen when things got too intense, and I was very relieved when everything turned out OK. Yes the movie was very good and still would be good with another leading lady, but I am glad that Mr Disney found Haley Mills!

As a child, I was raised on the Moon-Spinners. Now, as an adult, I enjoy the movie even more! If you're looking for a great quality film then this isn't the one, but if you're looking for a fun family movie appropriate for all ages then this is it. It's about an English girl who goes with her aunt to Greece. While there, she meets an English young man who has gotten himself into a bit of trouble. It's a mystery/adventure/romance that epitomizes all cheesy films of the time. However, regardless of the so-called "cheese factor" in it, it's still a good movie that will always be one of my favorites and I recommend it to all.