From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (1973)

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I saw this film on TCM without any prior knowledge of the story, and I am glad I did. This is a charming story about romance and adventure, which is not to say it's a love story. By romance I mean "A feeling of mystery, excitement and remoteness from the everyday."A brother and sister, seeking adventure, decide to run away from home. They travel to New York City and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they explore its vast collection and experience freedom. While there, they decide to solve a mystery concerning a piece of art on display. Their quest leads them to the lady (played by Ingrid Bergman) who sold the piece to the museum. In the process, the young girl receives a priceless gift.Adapted from a children's book, the story is charming. The film--like the book--would enthrall most children. It is also enjoyable for adult viewers. The acting is perfect for the roles. New York City (and especially the museum) is an enjoyable part of the film.

I never read "From The Mixed-Up Files..." either as a child or as an adult (there are a lot of classic children's books I never got around to reading.) Maybe if I had read the book as a child I would have fallen in love with it and readily accept a cinematic telling of it.As you might have guessed, I was disappointed with this movie. I couldn't warm up to it for the most part. The first problem I had was with the female child character. I didn't have any sympathy for her. She seems to run away just for the fact she has to take the garbage out. I had no feeling of pain and frustration from her.Speaking of feelings, for most of the running time, I felt no sense of awe, wonder, or feeling of mystery with the children on their runaway journey. Their staying at the museum was, frankly, boring. Though when Bergman's character turns up, things pick up considerably. Her character is interesting, she's mysterious, and she brings that needed feelings of awe, wonder, and mystery. If only the rest of the movie had been like that! What will kids think? Well, I think they will be squirming in their seats for the most part. Based on what I've heard of the book, I would suggest you give them the book instead of this movie.

Adaptation of E.L. Konigsberg's novel about bookish femme teenager and her younger brother running away from home to live in New York City's Metropolitan Museum. Unusual, wordy, but just slightly artificial adventure, featuring juvenile actors who aren't fully alert and a large majority of adult characters who are written as buffoons (the kids' father scolds the girl for reading "King Arthur", citing psychological reasons!). Film is ultimately saved by Ingrid Bergman in a wonderful supporting performance as a wealthy recluse who crosses paths with the youngsters. Low-budget picture does have a fast pace and is fairly inventive. It could've used a better title, however (overseas it was dubbed "The Hideaways"). **1/2 from ****

I have to disagree with the posters who didn't like the film because it "isn't believable". My question to them is... Who would believe that a pregnant woman could live in a Wal-Mart or that a movie ticket can bring an action star out of the silver screen. It's a delightful little movie that I would watch over and over and over again either by myself or with the kids. It says something about the perseverance of and dedication of siblings, I only hope that my own children feel like that about their siblings... I haven't read the book yet, but am going to now that I know there is one. I have to be honest here... I was a preteen when I first saw this movie and I can remember going into my mother's medicine cabinet and taking some of her Alka Seltzer just to try it with chocolate sauce... After growing and having kids of my own... I STILL have one every once in a while! Still trying to find this move on DVD or VHS so we can have a copy here at home.