From Walt Disney, an overly-involved story of jewel thieves and a young girl swept away by intrigue while vacationing in Crete. I understand why some say the film is sluggish or dull; it does drag, and has one too many plots going on, not to mention far too many characters who may-or-may-not be what they seem. However, Hayley Mills is enchanting as intrepid Nikky Ferris. She gets her ire up, gets to be silly, trades quips with Pola Negri (looking regal). Also fabulous: the dizzying sequence where Mills escapes villainous Eli Wallach by jumping from a windmill (beautiful camera-work and direction). Not a taut Hitchcockian mystery, but a good attempt at one. Terrific Terry Gilkyson theme song, fine supporting work from Wallach, Joan Greenwood and young Peter McEnery, who gives Hayley her first screen kiss. *** from ****
52 Reviews
Here's to the Ladies
marcslope22 February 2001
No classic, but very pleasing, old-fashioned, middlebrow entertainment of a kind we used to take for granted. A little comedy, a little romance, a lot of action, plenty of eye-filling locations, and, in particular, a trio of wonderful women. Hayley's charming in one of her first puppy-love roles; Joan Greenwood, of the delicious voice, is, as always, indispensable; and Pola Negri does some spirited scenery-chewing in a prominent cameo. They thoroughly outclass the men, including a hammy Eli Wallach and a pallid Peter McEnery.
Nothing about it is exceptional, but everything about it is at least competent. The direction is a little obvious: Every time a Maguffin appears in the script, Neilson pulls in for a close-up. Perhaps that's a sop to help the kiddies follow the story, though, despite the Disney imprimatur, it's not really a little-kids' film. On the contrary, it's one of Disney's least cloying, and one of the most appealing for grownups.
Nothing about it is exceptional, but everything about it is at least competent. The direction is a little obvious: Every time a Maguffin appears in the script, Neilson pulls in for a close-up. Perhaps that's a sop to help the kiddies follow the story, though, despite the Disney imprimatur, it's not really a little-kids' film. On the contrary, it's one of Disney's least cloying, and one of the most appealing for grownups.
Amusing adventure comedy, beautiful Hayley Mills and enchanting music
spletinckx5 January 2006
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.
Hayley Mills growing up
SnoopyStyle26 June 2019
Nikky Ferris (Hayley Mills) is traveling with her aunt Frances Ferris in Crete. Frances is collecting folk music for the BBC. They arrive at the local hotel The Moon-Spinners as it hosts a large wedding celebration. The owner reluctantly gives them a room. Uncle Stratos (Eli Wallach) is pushing to eject the two Englishwomen. The ladies are joined by handsome fellow British travel Mark. Nikky finds Stratos rummaging through their bags. She stumbles across a dark mystery.
Disney teen star Hayley Mills is trying to do something a little more serious. It is still Disney but it does have some edge. It has romance. It has danger. It's not anything great. It tries to be Hitchcockian but it's more like Nancy Drew. I don't particular love Hayley in this and her aunt is a little annoying. She's a bubbly teen trying to act. It does have Wallach doing a villain. This is interesting especially for Hayley Mills fans.
Disney teen star Hayley Mills is trying to do something a little more serious. It is still Disney but it does have some edge. It has romance. It has danger. It's not anything great. It tries to be Hitchcockian but it's more like Nancy Drew. I don't particular love Hayley in this and her aunt is a little annoying. She's a bubbly teen trying to act. It does have Wallach doing a villain. This is interesting especially for Hayley Mills fans.
Routine Light Thriller with Charismatic Young Actress
JamesHitchcock7 December 2004
In some of her early films, such as 'Tiger Bay' or 'Whistle Down the Wind', Hayley Mills revealed herself to be one of Britain's most remarkable child actresses, but as an adult her films were generally unremarkable. The light family films she made in her teenage years for Disney and others can be seen as marking a stage in her decline to the ordinary from the extraordinary. Indeed, they were possibly a cause of that decline; had she been given more demanding roles during this period she might have matured into a bigger adult star. The studios' determination to fit her into the role of Teenage Virgin Queen occupied a few years earlier by Sandra Dee might also have made it more difficult for the public to accept her as an adult woman.
'The Moonspinners' is a typical offering from her Disney period. The teenage Nikky Ferris arrives for a holiday in Crete with her aunt, a musicologist who wants to make recordings of Cretan folk-music. The owner of their hotel, however, is unwelcoming and his behaviour soon arises Nikky's suspicions that he is involved in some criminal enterprise. Nikky meets and befriends a young Englishman, Mark, and the two soon find themselves involved in a search to recover some stolen jewels.
Several other reviewers compare this film to the work of Alfred Hitchcock. The film is a mixture of romantic comedy and thriller, although I felt that the romance and comedy elements predominate over the suspense elements to a greater extent than they ever do in Hitchcock, even in his lighter films. The scene where Nikki and Mark are rescued from the windmill, however, did strike me as very Hitchcockian; I wondered if it was intended as deliberate homage to the similar scene involving Joel McCrae in 'Foreign Correspondent'.
My general impression of the film was that it was, despite some attractive location photography, a fairly routine light thriller. Peter McEnery, as Mark, makes an uncharismatic leading man, and the principal baddies (Eli Wallach as suspicious, surly foreigner and John Le Mesurier as smooth but hypocritical English gentleman) are drawn straight from the Official Hollywood Scriptwriter's Guide to Stock Villainous Characters. There is an amusing cameo from Sheila Hancock as Le Mesurier's alcoholic wife, but the best thing about the film is the presence of Hayley herself. She reminded me of Audrey Hepburn whose charisma and presence frequently enabled her to make memorable what would otherwise have been very ordinary thrillers or romantic comedies. Hayley was, of course, considerably younger than Audrey and (in my view) less classically beautiful, but shared with her the ability to carry a film through charm and charisma. 'The Moonspinners' is not in the same league as Hayley's best films, but it is worth watching for a chance to see this fine young actress. 6/10
'The Moonspinners' is a typical offering from her Disney period. The teenage Nikky Ferris arrives for a holiday in Crete with her aunt, a musicologist who wants to make recordings of Cretan folk-music. The owner of their hotel, however, is unwelcoming and his behaviour soon arises Nikky's suspicions that he is involved in some criminal enterprise. Nikky meets and befriends a young Englishman, Mark, and the two soon find themselves involved in a search to recover some stolen jewels.
Several other reviewers compare this film to the work of Alfred Hitchcock. The film is a mixture of romantic comedy and thriller, although I felt that the romance and comedy elements predominate over the suspense elements to a greater extent than they ever do in Hitchcock, even in his lighter films. The scene where Nikki and Mark are rescued from the windmill, however, did strike me as very Hitchcockian; I wondered if it was intended as deliberate homage to the similar scene involving Joel McCrae in 'Foreign Correspondent'.
My general impression of the film was that it was, despite some attractive location photography, a fairly routine light thriller. Peter McEnery, as Mark, makes an uncharismatic leading man, and the principal baddies (Eli Wallach as suspicious, surly foreigner and John Le Mesurier as smooth but hypocritical English gentleman) are drawn straight from the Official Hollywood Scriptwriter's Guide to Stock Villainous Characters. There is an amusing cameo from Sheila Hancock as Le Mesurier's alcoholic wife, but the best thing about the film is the presence of Hayley herself. She reminded me of Audrey Hepburn whose charisma and presence frequently enabled her to make memorable what would otherwise have been very ordinary thrillers or romantic comedies. Hayley was, of course, considerably younger than Audrey and (in my view) less classically beautiful, but shared with her the ability to carry a film through charm and charisma. 'The Moonspinners' is not in the same league as Hayley's best films, but it is worth watching for a chance to see this fine young actress. 6/10
Good entertainment.
CJ-4820 October 2001
I saw the film in 1964 when I was 11 and loved it then. I feel the old Disney films are still the best. As I know many of my students are not familiar with the old films, I showed it to my fifth-graders recently, and they loved it (and asked to see it again). For youth viewing, the film still holds up. I still love it.
Engaging, suspenseful film; Disney's answer to Hitchcock
Tommy-9210 September 1999
I guess the script wasn't top-notch... Okay, it wasn't, but there are plenty of other things to concentrate on here. Pretty good performances from Eli Wallach as the villian, Hayley Mills and Peter McEnery as the detectives/romantic leads, and Irene Papas as the villian's nervous sister, who dosen't have much to do but makes an impression. Also, funny comic performances from Joan Greenwood as Mills' aunt and the appearence of Pola Negri, the silent screen star, as the jewel collector Madame Habib. The gorgeous scenery of Crete is also a big asset. I found the film to be pretty suspenseful and engaging throughout. I really wasn't sure just what was going to happen next. It did keep me on the edge of my seat in some spots. The only weak link was a very rushed and uneventful conclusion, but otherwise very well-done. This was Disney's answer to Hitchcock, and also an apparent attempt to get his young star, Miss Mills, into more adult roles after four years of excellent but very "kiddie" films for the studio. Unfortunately, she didn't get any more roles like this at Disney; her next and last was in "That Darn Cat!", a very enjoyable and funny film but still aimed more at kids. She ended up having to leave the studio, do a nude scene in another film, and have an affair with an older man in order to become more adult in the eyes of the world. Still, this was her starting point, and while Hitchcock could easily have topped this and any other suspense/mystery film, it's still fun to watch and suspenseful, never boring. See it; you won't be sorry.
Just a Greek holiday
bkoganbing26 November 2013
Although she would soon be leaving Disney Studios Hayley Mills at the age of 18 got a chance at a semi-adult role with a semi-adult romance with young Peter McEnery in The Moon-Spinners. The film is worth a look if for no other reason than the great location cinematography on the Island of Crete.
Mills and her aunt Joan Greenwood are on holiday in Crete and they arrive at the small inn that they were supposed to be staying and the owner, Irene Papas is decidedly cool and has to be forced to provide Mills and Greenwood with accommodations. Eli Wallach who is Papas's brother is most unfriendly wishing they would leave post haste.
Wallach has reason for wanting them out, he's planning to sell some stolen jewels to Pola Negri who's collected a lot of such loot with six husbands along the way. But Peter McEnery has different ideas. He's got his own plans for the jewels.
McEnery and Mills make a fine attractive young couple and Eli Wallach as the villain is at his best. When is he ever not. And the chance to see three legends of varying degree as Irene Papas, Joan Greenwood, and silent star Pola Negri in a comeback role is not to be missed.
The Moon-Spinners plays a like a Nancy Drew mystery and I wonder why Disney never cast Hayley Mills as the teen sleuth. She would have been perfect in the role. Kids and adults will enjoy this film from the Magic Kingdom.
Mills and her aunt Joan Greenwood are on holiday in Crete and they arrive at the small inn that they were supposed to be staying and the owner, Irene Papas is decidedly cool and has to be forced to provide Mills and Greenwood with accommodations. Eli Wallach who is Papas's brother is most unfriendly wishing they would leave post haste.
Wallach has reason for wanting them out, he's planning to sell some stolen jewels to Pola Negri who's collected a lot of such loot with six husbands along the way. But Peter McEnery has different ideas. He's got his own plans for the jewels.
McEnery and Mills make a fine attractive young couple and Eli Wallach as the villain is at his best. When is he ever not. And the chance to see three legends of varying degree as Irene Papas, Joan Greenwood, and silent star Pola Negri in a comeback role is not to be missed.
The Moon-Spinners plays a like a Nancy Drew mystery and I wonder why Disney never cast Hayley Mills as the teen sleuth. She would have been perfect in the role. Kids and adults will enjoy this film from the Magic Kingdom.
Delicious Mystery in Crete
ph0hunter26 October 2003
This movie is one of my favorites from the 1960's and I watch it again every once in a while. It's also one of my favorite Hayley Mills movies. The locations are beautiful, interesting and different. The story is a solid mystery with sympathetic characters, and Mills plays a feisty, strong young woman. The production values are a bit wanting, however, especially during the windmill scenes. There's delightful humor, also, especially in some unexpected sights. And Pola Negri gives a fine performance. I love this movie and recommend it for anyone who likes a good mystery or Hayley Mills or Crete.
enchanting locales
windypoplar22 April 2008
The "moon-spinners" from '64, is latter-day Disney fare, so there's a surprising amount of bite to the story, for a Hayley Mills film. Hayley, who never looked more lovely, plays young Nikki Ferris, on vacation with her Aunt on Crete. The locations are absolutely gorgeous! Hayley is soon mixed up with compatriot Mark Camford and they become embroiled in jewel theft and attempted murder.
The film does drag a bit at times, but you can always look at Mayley, a windmill stunt is fun and Eli Wallach has a juicy part as the villainous Stratos. Unfortunately the great Irene Papas is wasted as his sister, who clearly doesn't approve. Some characters introduced very late in the story don't quite make sense, still its an exciting mystery and one does want to see how it turns out.
The "Moon-Spinners" is a good family film. It does contain some violence and a bit of bloodshed, so I guess this would be "PG", but its really just fine for ten and up. Recommended for fans of Disney live-action and Hayley Mills.
The film does drag a bit at times, but you can always look at Mayley, a windmill stunt is fun and Eli Wallach has a juicy part as the villainous Stratos. Unfortunately the great Irene Papas is wasted as his sister, who clearly doesn't approve. Some characters introduced very late in the story don't quite make sense, still its an exciting mystery and one does want to see how it turns out.
The "Moon-Spinners" is a good family film. It does contain some violence and a bit of bloodshed, so I guess this would be "PG", but its really just fine for ten and up. Recommended for fans of Disney live-action and Hayley Mills.
Classic Disney 60s fare , but not a very good movie...
author-8870413 September 2015
The Moon-Spinners is classic Disney-style fare from the mid-60s. It fits right in the groove with other Disney movies from that era like "That Darn Cat" and "The Love Bug". Keep in mind that this stylistic resemblance may be seen as an advantage or a serious flaw.
The story happens in Greece, on the island of Crete, though it's actually not very much about Greece or its culture. Of the seven major characters, only one is actually Greek. Two of the actors (notably Eli Wallach) play at being Hellenic while struggling through bad accents and mangled dialog. Culturally, the whole film is a profound embarrassment if you know anything about Greece. But of course, that wasn't the point of the project. Rather, it was a vehicle for Haley Mills. By this standard, she does good work presenting herself as a wacky cute girl who stumbles onto a scheme involving stolen jewels. The plot itself is needlessly confused, and characters say and do all sorts of things that make no practical sense except as stale devices to move the story along. The truly shining moments of the film come only near the end in scenes involving former silent-movie-legend Pola Negri in her final film role. At this point the movie thoroughly entertains and nearly makes up for the hour-plus of previous tedium. Unfortunately, even Eli Wallach fails to impress in this strained vehicle. If you're looking for a "good movie", one with a solid plot and uniformly good acting and directing, then pass on The Moon-Spinners. It's really quite unremarkable. But if you want to conjure warm memories of a classic-Disney childhood, and you want to see the last glimpse of the amazing Pola Negri, then definitely watch this film.
The story happens in Greece, on the island of Crete, though it's actually not very much about Greece or its culture. Of the seven major characters, only one is actually Greek. Two of the actors (notably Eli Wallach) play at being Hellenic while struggling through bad accents and mangled dialog. Culturally, the whole film is a profound embarrassment if you know anything about Greece. But of course, that wasn't the point of the project. Rather, it was a vehicle for Haley Mills. By this standard, she does good work presenting herself as a wacky cute girl who stumbles onto a scheme involving stolen jewels. The plot itself is needlessly confused, and characters say and do all sorts of things that make no practical sense except as stale devices to move the story along. The truly shining moments of the film come only near the end in scenes involving former silent-movie-legend Pola Negri in her final film role. At this point the movie thoroughly entertains and nearly makes up for the hour-plus of previous tedium. Unfortunately, even Eli Wallach fails to impress in this strained vehicle. If you're looking for a "good movie", one with a solid plot and uniformly good acting and directing, then pass on The Moon-Spinners. It's really quite unremarkable. But if you want to conjure warm memories of a classic-Disney childhood, and you want to see the last glimpse of the amazing Pola Negri, then definitely watch this film.
A fun-filled exotic adventure for the whole family
muguet2120 June 2001
The Moon-Spinners, which takes Hayley Mills to the island of Crete, is an exciting adventure story that's appropriate for children of all ages. Mills is Nikki Ferris, a young woman on vacation with her aunt. "Moon-Spinners" moves quickly into action and is definitely better than Mills' previous film, Summer Magic, because of its expansion and explanation of different characters' backgrounds. If you like Hayley Mills' Disney films, you'll love The Moon-Spinners".
Hayley Mills sleuthing on the island of Crete
Wuchakk25 March 2021
An aunt and niece (Joan Greenwood & Hayley Mills) are traveling through remote areas of Crete whereupon they encounter the suspicious brother of the proprietress of an inhospitable coastal hotel (Eli Wallach). Intrigue ensues. Peter McEnery plays a young Brit the girl finds attractive while Pola Negri shows up in the last act.
"The Moon-Spinners" (1964) inserts Hayley Mills into an island adventure that works well because it's relatively realistic, has superb locations/sets and a well-chosen cast (e.g. Wallach is perfect as the villain). It's basically Hayley Mills meets "North by Northwest" (1959) and "The Day the Fish Came Out" (1967).
Hayley was 17 during shooting and blossoming into a winsome young woman.
The film runs 1 hour, 58 minutes, and was shot on Crete and Pinewood Studios, London.
GRADE: B+
"The Moon-Spinners" (1964) inserts Hayley Mills into an island adventure that works well because it's relatively realistic, has superb locations/sets and a well-chosen cast (e.g. Wallach is perfect as the villain). It's basically Hayley Mills meets "North by Northwest" (1959) and "The Day the Fish Came Out" (1967).
Hayley was 17 during shooting and blossoming into a winsome young woman.
The film runs 1 hour, 58 minutes, and was shot on Crete and Pinewood Studios, London.
GRADE: B+
terrible story, lengthy and redundant
AlanaFu15 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I cannot believe I saw this movie on the list of Hayley Mills' best films! It's so awful! Yes there is adventure, there is romance, there is mystery, and none of them is well done. The adventure is so clumsy, and the excitement of it is often interrupted by the annoying romantic moments. For the first hour nobody knows what the heck is going on, and the big mystery seems more like child play. Feels like the plot was written by a ten year old. This movie is also so unnecessarily long, two thirds of the scenes can be edited out and it wouldn't affect the plot at all!
Also... why would a(any) girl have trouble coming up with an excuse for blood stains on a cloth???
Also... why would a(any) girl have trouble coming up with an excuse for blood stains on a cloth???
Simply Wonderful
staisil221 July 2003
The Moon-Spinners is by far a classic movie for your video collection. Besides great actors, this movie has every little speck of something for everyone. A fortune in stolen jewels, add a dash of danger, a pinch of romance, and season this movie with Alfred Hitchcock-like intrigue and comic flair, and you have a helluva movie for the entire family! 8 out of 10.
Exotic romantic thriller deviates disappointingly from the novel
roghache7 June 2006
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.
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.
Adequate entertainment.
gridoon8 April 2000
A passable time-filler from Disney. No great shakes in terms of script or direction, but it does feature some pretty well-executed stunts, and an extremely winning performance by Hayley Mills. Though sometimes sluggish, this thriller manages to remain reasonably absorbing most of the time and you can spend a fairly pleasant afternoon watching it.
At times boring but overall enjoyable!
Toothless115886 January 2005
First off, I am a fan of Hayley Mills. That is why I saw this film in the first place. I like her work and this Disney film has a certain draw that I enjoy.
The setting (actually filmed there) is great and the music a nice backdrop. McEnery adds a nice romantic flair. What can I say? I liked him. I'll admit that the film has its faults, and it is not on any of my top film lists. The film drags on in several chunks of the story. You can read more on the plot from others, this is just my opinion overall.
But, if you like Hayley in late Disney style, off the coast of Greece somewhere helping McEnery against jewel criminals,... then this flick is for you.
:) GRADE: Low B
The setting (actually filmed there) is great and the music a nice backdrop. McEnery adds a nice romantic flair. What can I say? I liked him. I'll admit that the film has its faults, and it is not on any of my top film lists. The film drags on in several chunks of the story. You can read more on the plot from others, this is just my opinion overall.
But, if you like Hayley in late Disney style, off the coast of Greece somewhere helping McEnery against jewel criminals,... then this flick is for you.
:) GRADE: Low B
An "OK" Chick Flick
strong-122-47888512 March 2018
Back in the early 1960's - Hayley Mills was easily recognizable as one of the most idealized movie-teens of that era. This was the era of "so-called" innocence before the drug-crazed counter-culture bulldozed its way into our collective consciousness, utterly destroying that innocence forever.
Pretty, blonde, bright, and a very competent, young actress in her own right - Mills starred in numerous light-weight comedy/dramas throughout the early part of that shaky decade. The Moon-Spinners was definitely one of Mills' better films.
Released in 1964 - The Moon-Spinners was intended to be Disney's attempt at some "Hitchcock"-like intrigue, with a touch of sugar-coated comedy and romance thrown in for good measure.
The Moon-Spinners may be just light-weight drama to most, but, all the same, it is thoroughly enjoyable movie-entertainment for all ages.
As an added bonus - Silent-Screen star, Pola Negri appeared in this flick as the wicked villainess, Madame Habib. Negri had been absent from the screen since 1943.
Pretty, blonde, bright, and a very competent, young actress in her own right - Mills starred in numerous light-weight comedy/dramas throughout the early part of that shaky decade. The Moon-Spinners was definitely one of Mills' better films.
Released in 1964 - The Moon-Spinners was intended to be Disney's attempt at some "Hitchcock"-like intrigue, with a touch of sugar-coated comedy and romance thrown in for good measure.
The Moon-Spinners may be just light-weight drama to most, but, all the same, it is thoroughly enjoyable movie-entertainment for all ages.
As an added bonus - Silent-Screen star, Pola Negri appeared in this flick as the wicked villainess, Madame Habib. Negri had been absent from the screen since 1943.
great movie
blwilson-219 November 2005
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!
Probably levels out to be classed as good
r96sk22 July 2020
Split feelings towards 'The Moon-Spinners', but overall I think it's fun enough.
I like the premise but didn't enjoy how it's done by the film, some of the key characters kinda pop out from nowhere to all of a sudden be big parts of the story. I do rate the feel of it all, it's shot well across some nice locations in Greece. The pacing is off though, the execution of the plot would've been better with a trim, quick run time.
Hayley Mills, in her penultimate Disney production, is a top actress no doubt, but her as Nikky doesn't really work - mostly due to how she's written, especially at the beginning where her and Frances (Joan Greenwood) come across pretty unlikeable - and I don't think it's intentional.
Eli Wallach (Stratos) and Peter McEnery (Mark) give the best performances, which is probably why I felt just about entertained by this as those two are integral together throughout. Satisfactory cast, just not greatly told by those behind the scenes.
This has cool moments and disappointing moments, to the point where it probably levels out to be classed as good.
I like the premise but didn't enjoy how it's done by the film, some of the key characters kinda pop out from nowhere to all of a sudden be big parts of the story. I do rate the feel of it all, it's shot well across some nice locations in Greece. The pacing is off though, the execution of the plot would've been better with a trim, quick run time.
Hayley Mills, in her penultimate Disney production, is a top actress no doubt, but her as Nikky doesn't really work - mostly due to how she's written, especially at the beginning where her and Frances (Joan Greenwood) come across pretty unlikeable - and I don't think it's intentional.
Eli Wallach (Stratos) and Peter McEnery (Mark) give the best performances, which is probably why I felt just about entertained by this as those two are integral together throughout. Satisfactory cast, just not greatly told by those behind the scenes.
This has cool moments and disappointing moments, to the point where it probably levels out to be classed as good.
Weak script makes a boring film!
Pat-5422 January 1999
The only recommendation I would ever give this film is to watch it for the appearance of silent-screen legend; Pola Negri. Still beautiful, this was her first film in years and sadly, her last. Otherwise, the rest of the movie is one big yawn. Boring!
Still Sweet After All These Years
downtownebookstore2 October 2014
I saw this in the theater when it came out in 1964. It became one of my favorite movies of all times. No, the acting wasn't the best, the plot has holes, and it is a saccharine Disney movie. But it is also pure, clean entertainment. My elderly father loves it, I still enjoy watching it, and my grandchildren do, too. That is my measurement of "pure entertainment." At the first showing I fell deeply in love with Peter McEnery - as only a 14-year-old could do. It is a shame that this movie is his only real claim to fame. The other reviews say pretty much what else I would like to say about the movie. At the time I wanted to be Haley Mills, I wanted to go to Crete to see the windmills and dance with the locals and hear them sing. I wanted to board a fantastic yacht and pet an ocelot. Especially, I wanted a little romance with a tall, handsome British man with lots of wavy hair, a man with a secret, who also respected me and would save me in time of danger. It was a wonderful movie.
Cute...
RosanaBotafogo17 April 2021
Fine cast, fine source material, perfunctory production
Irie21214 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoyed this movie, though not as much as I did in 1964 when I was a freshly minted teenager, and a devotee of Mary Stewart's novels about plucky young women in exotic adventures. Unfortunately, the best adjective to apply to the movie is perfunctory. Or maybe just plain sloppy.
It's a formula chick flick, which is fine if it's done well, as plenty are. But Hayley Mills was still too juvenile at 17 to portray Nicky Ferris. She's a fledgling girl compared to the 23-year-old British stage actor Peter McEnery, who plays Mark Canford, her love interest.
The film was shot on Crete, where the story is set (as was the novel, which is rather eviscerated in this screenplay). Crete is a striking island, though there is no particular attempt to showcase its scenic beauty. More footage is devoted to Greek cultural customs- - a wedding, a carnival. But this movie is all plot, which is rather a strange thing, because it's a sketchy plot yet it drives all the action. The dialog is mostly functional, with very few attempts at wit, let alone wisdom. Typical of Disney of this period, the sterling supporting cast is comprised of strong character actors, European actors, and Hollywood has-beens-- Eli Wallach as the bad guy, Irene Papas as his rightly censorious sister (far too little of that divine actress), Joan Greenwood as Hayley's aunt, John Le Meseurier as the British consul and the RADA actress Sheila Hancock as his wife, and the silent film siren Pola Negri in her final film role as a jewel-obsessed dowager with a yacht and a pet leopard.
If the plot weren't so tedious, perhaps the sloppiness of the film wouldn't be so troublesome. But there is ample time for viewers to be disappointed by the needless continuity mistakes, three of which are positively risible:
1) The hero, Mark, suffers a gunshot wound in his arm (deltoid muscle, I think) early on, but he proceeds through the rest of the film vigorously using both arms as if nothing is wrong, except for when he's being bandaged or when he offers an occasional wince to remind us why there's a red stain is on his shirt.
2) In one scene, we start after nightfall when Nicky's aunt returns to the hotel, frantic that her niece has been missing all day. But when we cut to find Nicky, who was tied up and trapped in a windmill by evil Eli earlier, it's still daylight. There's plenty of blue sky and sunlight to illuminate her as she screams at the sight of a rat, a scream that brings rescuers.
3) The chase scene with a motorboat trying to catch up to a yacht is preposterous. Nicky is near the harbor when first sees the yacht, which seems to be serenely anchored. She steals the motorboat and sequence of shots, she's in hot pursuit, bouncing along the waves in the open sea, after a boat steaming full-speed-ahead.
The whole plot is wrapped up in short order once the police arrive on the yacht, and the movie predictably ends with an allusion to a possible wedding for Nicky and Mark. The only grounds for this ending is adherence to Disney formula because, although the two of them were thrown together in the headlong action, there's no evidence of attraction between them, no heat, not even much warmth. Nor do they have chemistry, not even in the famous kiss which is over with in a hurry, even though "Hayley's first screen kiss!" was marketed like "Garbo laughs!"
To mature eyes, Nicky is an intelligent but heedless teenager, while Mark is a mature young man on a mission to clear his name (he was accused of jewel theft). There's no romance here, or intimacy, only an anemic sort of courtship. I did enjoy the movie-- Crete, the actors- - but oh! how much better it might have been!
It's a formula chick flick, which is fine if it's done well, as plenty are. But Hayley Mills was still too juvenile at 17 to portray Nicky Ferris. She's a fledgling girl compared to the 23-year-old British stage actor Peter McEnery, who plays Mark Canford, her love interest.
The film was shot on Crete, where the story is set (as was the novel, which is rather eviscerated in this screenplay). Crete is a striking island, though there is no particular attempt to showcase its scenic beauty. More footage is devoted to Greek cultural customs- - a wedding, a carnival. But this movie is all plot, which is rather a strange thing, because it's a sketchy plot yet it drives all the action. The dialog is mostly functional, with very few attempts at wit, let alone wisdom. Typical of Disney of this period, the sterling supporting cast is comprised of strong character actors, European actors, and Hollywood has-beens-- Eli Wallach as the bad guy, Irene Papas as his rightly censorious sister (far too little of that divine actress), Joan Greenwood as Hayley's aunt, John Le Meseurier as the British consul and the RADA actress Sheila Hancock as his wife, and the silent film siren Pola Negri in her final film role as a jewel-obsessed dowager with a yacht and a pet leopard.
If the plot weren't so tedious, perhaps the sloppiness of the film wouldn't be so troublesome. But there is ample time for viewers to be disappointed by the needless continuity mistakes, three of which are positively risible:
1) The hero, Mark, suffers a gunshot wound in his arm (deltoid muscle, I think) early on, but he proceeds through the rest of the film vigorously using both arms as if nothing is wrong, except for when he's being bandaged or when he offers an occasional wince to remind us why there's a red stain is on his shirt.
2) In one scene, we start after nightfall when Nicky's aunt returns to the hotel, frantic that her niece has been missing all day. But when we cut to find Nicky, who was tied up and trapped in a windmill by evil Eli earlier, it's still daylight. There's plenty of blue sky and sunlight to illuminate her as she screams at the sight of a rat, a scream that brings rescuers.
3) The chase scene with a motorboat trying to catch up to a yacht is preposterous. Nicky is near the harbor when first sees the yacht, which seems to be serenely anchored. She steals the motorboat and sequence of shots, she's in hot pursuit, bouncing along the waves in the open sea, after a boat steaming full-speed-ahead.
The whole plot is wrapped up in short order once the police arrive on the yacht, and the movie predictably ends with an allusion to a possible wedding for Nicky and Mark. The only grounds for this ending is adherence to Disney formula because, although the two of them were thrown together in the headlong action, there's no evidence of attraction between them, no heat, not even much warmth. Nor do they have chemistry, not even in the famous kiss which is over with in a hurry, even though "Hayley's first screen kiss!" was marketed like "Garbo laughs!"
To mature eyes, Nicky is an intelligent but heedless teenager, while Mark is a mature young man on a mission to clear his name (he was accused of jewel theft). There's no romance here, or intimacy, only an anemic sort of courtship. I did enjoy the movie-- Crete, the actors- - but oh! how much better it might have been!
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