The Moon-Spinners (1964) Online

1964 Hayley Mills Eli Wallach Pola Negri James Neilson

Original Title :: The Moon-Spinners
Genre :: Movie / Family / Mystery / Romance / Thriller
Year :: 1964
Directror :: James Neilson
Cast :: Hayley Mills,Eli Wallach,Pola Negri
Writer :: Michael Dyne,Mary Stewart
Budget :: $5,000,000
Type :: Movie
Time :: 1h 58min
Rating :: 6.8/10

The Moon-Spinners (1964) Online

British musicologist Frances Ferris and her late teen niece Nicky Ferris are traveling through Crete recording Greek folk songs for the BBC. In the usually quiet coastal town of Aghios Georgios, they manage to get a room at an inn called the Moon-Spinners, despite the people at the inn being busy preparing for a wedding, and no one there, except Alexis, the young teen son of the proprietress Sophia, he who is fond of spouting current popular Americanisms in his slightly broken English, seeming to want them there. Frances and Nicky learn from Alexis that the unwelcoming feeling is all because of his maternal Uncle Stratos, who has become a man suspicious of anyone ever since his recent return from London after being away for fifteen years. Beyond those there for the wedding, the only other guest at the inn is a young Englishman named Mark Camford, who they befriend. Nicky is too preoccupied with her own suspicions and mistrust of Stratos truly to see that there is something more ...

Cast overview, first billed only:
	Hayley Mills	-	Nikky Ferris
	Eli Wallach	-	Stratos
	Peter McEnery	-	Mark Camford
	Joan Greenwood	-	Aunt Frances Ferris
	Irene Papas	-	Sophia
	John Le Mesurier	-	Anthony Gamble
	Paul Stassino	-	Lambis
	Sheila Hancock	-	Cynthia Gamble
	Michael Davis	-	Alexis
	André Morell	-	Yacht Captain (as Andre Morell)
	George Pastell	-	Police Lieutenant
	Tutte Lemkow	-	Orestes
	Steve Plytas	-	Hearse Driver
	Harry Tardios	-	Bus Driver
	Pamela Barrie	-	Ariadne

Pola Negri had been retired for about twenty years when Walt Disney himself convinced her to come out of retirement to make this film. Studio executive and the film's co-producer, Bill Anderson, telephoned Negri at home in Texas, and convinced the veteran actress to read the screenplay, after going to Hollywood to negotiate the project.

Despite good reviews, and Hayley Mills' popularity with young audiences at the time, the film failed at the box office. Rather than being re-issued in theaters, it was initially shown two years later, in three parts, on the Disney Sunday night TV show.

The name of the pet cheetah that belonged to Madame Habib (Pola Negri) was "Shalimar".

Actor Eli Wallach and actress Hayley Mills comprehensively discussed their work on this film with the late actress Pola Negri in the 2006 documentary Life Is a Dream in Cinema: Pola Negri (2006).

The movie's MacGuffin was a collection of stolen emerald gemstone jewels.

One of the most notable Hitchcockian style thriller scenes in the picture was the windmill suspense sequence. Alfred Hitchcock had previously directed one in 1940's Foreign Correspondent (1940) around a quarter of a century earlier.

There are significant differences between the movie and the novel: in the book, Nikki Ferris arrives in Agios Georgios a day ahead of her aunt and finds Mark wounded in a hut on her way to the village. Mark has been shot by Sophia's husband, a collaborator with Stratos, who has stolen the Camford jewels in London from Mark, who was the courier. Another collaborator is the British gay man who is the hotel clerk - there is no British diplomat in the original story. Mark and his friend Lambis are trying to find Mark's teen-aged brother Colin. Nikki is OLDER in the book than in the film and a minor secretary for the British Embassy (an earlier trivia statement is incorrect here), Mark's last name is actually Langley, and Colin was actually the captive in the windmill. Beyond the title of the movie, there are few similarities between it and the book.

The meaning and relevance of the film's "The Moon-Spinners" title is that it refers to a Cretan inn hotel owned by Sophia (Irene Papas) where Nikky (Hayley Mills) and Aunt Frances Ferris (Joan Greenwood) stay. In the movie, it is also referred by a character as being a Greek restaurant in Soho.

At the time of filming, actress Joan Greenwood (Aunt Frances Ferris) was married to actor André Morell (Yacht Captain).

The film was made and released about two years after its source novel of the same name by Mary Stewart had been first published in 1962.

The old Greek church seen in the movie was not authentic but a set construction built by the production for the picture.

The film was broken up into three parts for screenings over three nights when the picture debuted on television.

This feature film was distributed in the USA with the forty minute Disney support short Yellowstone Cubs (1963) which had previously been released as part of a double-feature bill with Disney's Savage Sam (1963).

In the film's source novel of the same name by Mary Stewart the lead character of Nikky Ferris (Hayley Mills) travels alone but in this movie adaptation she is accompanied by her Aunt Frances Ferris (Joan Greenwood).

Known for being a child star at the time actress Hayley Mills had actually turned eighteen years of age around the time that this picture was made and released.

At a cost of US $5 million, this picture at the time was one of the Disney studio's most expensive live-action movie productions.

Fifth of six films that the then young actress Hayley Mills made with the Walt Disney Pictures film studio.

The pet big cat belonging to Madama Habib (Pola Negri) was originally supposed to be a domestic cat in the movie's original film script but at Negri's suggestion it was changed to a cheetah.

This major motion picture's opening title card read: "The Island of Crete".

The penultimate live-action film in which Walt Disney in his life-time was billed as a producer.

Playing Madame Habib in this cinema movie, this was the first theatrical feature film of actress Pola Negri since she had portrayed Genya Smetana in Hi Diddle Diddle (1943), an interval of around twenty one years.

In the book "The James Joyce Murder" by Amanda Cross, most of the cast go to a drive-in and see a movie which is obviously this film.

This was the only film written by Michael Dyne, who regularly worked in television.

This motion picture's television debut in 1966 was launched at a big lavish expense.

The picture was filmed in the style of a Hitchcockian mystery-suspense movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Final theatrical feature film of Polish actress Pola Negri.

The name of Madame Habib (Pola Negri)'s yacht was the "Minotaur".

User reviews

Jack

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 ****

Laitchai

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.

MilsoN

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.

Wohald

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.

Qwne

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".

Zulurr

This is one of my absolute favorites. My sister and I rented this movie from Netflix and we just don't want to send it back! Its almost surprising that I liked this movie so much considering the fact that I have never enjoyed Hayley Mills' acting skills, but she was seriously great in this. I also REALLY liked the boy who played Mark. Irene Papas was a great supporting actress & like everything she does, she performed the small part perfectly. It was the first movie I'd ever seen with Eli Wallach and I thought he made a marvelous villain. All the characters were so enjoyable! Even little Alexis. The theme song is awesome! Its super family friendly and just tons of fun to watch! I love this movie.

Moralsa

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

Ieregr

I enjoyed the story and the Hitchcock-like suspense in this film. Haley Mills was excellent and very beautiful, and she still is! Eli Wallach's acting was also very good, although he was better in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Too bad there was never a Moon Spinners sequel.

Opithris

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.

Dozilkree

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.

Crazy

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!

Blueshaper

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.

GWEZJ

First thing. The Moon Spinners, despite the tag line on IMDb, is not set on a SMALL Greek island, but a rather large one, Crete. I watched this movie for the first time today, April 17th, 2006..43 years after it was released.

I did so mainly because I first went to Crete in 1976, when it was quite undeveloped. So I was interested to see what it was like in 1964 - even more adorable.

Sadly I've been back on business and it is now hideously over-developed. But the original beauty and primitiveness of Crete comes over in this film. The movie itself seems to lose its way - someone should have had a close look at the script. From the moment the alleged British consul played by John Le Mesurier makes an appearance the movie heads off into bizarre territory. Polo Negri as the much-married Greek millionaire looks like a man in drag, and the last 45 minutes leaves one both bewildered and yawning.

But what are astonishing are the stunts. The young kid leaping onto the moving windmill sail, and spinning full circle on it; then actor McEnery, on the face of it, doing partially the same. (I'm assuming they used a stunt double for Hayley Mills). Even McEnery leaping from rock to dangerous rock. The motor-boat scenes look a bit hairy too, and I think there would be a lot more Health and Safety regulation now.

(McEnery was already showing signs of what would become a considerable dramatic pedigree).

But it was an enjoyable romp in parts, and early Sixties Crete looked marvellous and unspoilt.

History buffs may recall that a savage battle was fought there in 1941 when German airborne forces wrested control of the island from British and New Zealand forces. (War cemeteries are present on the island to this day).

Later Cretan partisans fought the German occupiers from the mountains. In 1976 one such partisan by then in his Seventies, proudly showed me a knife with Luftwaffe markings he'd taken after allegedly killing its Nazi owner.

But small Crete is not. It's the largest of the many Greek islands. About 130 miles long at its longest point, I recall, and about 80 miles deep.

Final note: As teenagers we were all in love with Hayley Mills - she seemed to epitomise the times, fresh-faced, innocent, naive. Reason enough to watch this and recapture the Zeitgeist of 1964.

Stuart White

Gholbimand

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

Hanad

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.

Xangeo

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.

roternow

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.

Pryl

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.

Anasius

This is a great film just to kick back and enjoy! Pretty straightforward and enjoyable! Haley ISN"T a child anymore but a grown up woman here! And guys I don't know about you but I could watch her walk around in that beautiful nightdress set all night! Why don't women wear such pretty gowns anymore? It's a real shame they stopped making such great things!! She is sexy just because she is so innocent but looking like she is wanting to lose that virginal state someone was talking about! Anyway this is long gone as is Crete of that day! But it shows it as it was before the tourists ruined EVERYthing EVERYwhere!! It's still a great place to visit but not in the summer, any of the Greek islands for that matter!

Dandr

I think this movie was a triumph for Walt Disney. Haley Mills was already the Walt Disney queen and Peter McEnery's talent attributed to the greatness of the film. I just wish he hadn't been beat up so much. Poor guy. Anyways, I thought the movie was fun and great for families. I hope to show it to my children someday.

Iphonedivorced

After watching "The Outsiders" last night around 11:00 am I fell asleep. I was awoken because a gruesome horror film was on tv and I hate films like that. I changed it to disney (I always watch disney at night. It's like the only CLEAN channel on) and I saw Hayley Mills in what looked like an old very beaten church with tombs everywhere. I looked at the clock and it said 3:00 am. I began to watch this movie and I got very interested. It kept me awake! I didn't even know the title, but it was such a great movie that I HAD to find out on imdb. I gave this movie a 10 because it was filled with excitement! Mark was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!

Nettale

Whether a film is, or is not, "like the book" that it is purportedly based on, is surely the most ridiculous reason for liking or disliking it.

A film is a film and a book is a book. Two very different art forms. No one can "film a book." For one thing, they won't fit. A long movie has roughly the content of a short story. Trying too hard to pack in all the material of the book is a recipe for cinematic disaster. On the other hand, drawing inspiration from a great book can often produce a great movie. But the two remain separate works and must be judged separately.

Never was this more true than in the case of Walt Disney. His movies, even the ones he produced at arm's length, like The Moon-Spinners, were always "Disney" movies first and foremost. Products of his unique vision. That was always a given... when you went to see a Disney movie, you knew what to expect. Not the "Mary Poppins" of the books, nor the Mowgli of Kipling. You knew it would be Disney's Mowgli... and you knew he'd be a wonderful creation in his own right.

Though it fits well with Disney's other UK-produced works (Greyfriars Bobby, Emil and the Detectives, Darby O'Gill, etc.) The Moon-Spinners is still very much a Disney movie. It's warm and safe, even in its most dangerous moments. It transports us back to a time and place that never really existed, except in Walt's imagination. But which we always WANTED to exist. A place where we could romp up and down Cretan hills with the glowing (and by now disturbingly voluptuous) Haley Mills. ("Double chins" indeed! Only the most anorexia-fixated American viewer could fail to find her a vision of beauty in this film.)

The story line is slim, to be sure, but actually quite robust by Disney standards. It's Disney's Midsummer Night's dream... a memory of a dream of a romp on a warm summer night on a romantic Mediterranean isle. That's more than enough for me... though like any dream, it's a very personal thing.

Made-with-Love

I quite liked this film. Being a "Hayley lover' I have seen it a few times.

It was the kind of film that made her transition from child to young adult on the screen so smooth.

It was partly filmed in Crete so there was some beautiful scenery. The opening credits were filmed against the most beautiful sunset.

Hayley plays Nikki Ferris, who along with her aunt (Joan Greenwood) happen to arrive on one of the islands during a wedding. There is also mystery afoot. No-one (except the young boy) seem pleased to see them - they claim never to have received the telegram that Hayley sent.

The plot concerns stolen jewels and Peter McEnerys' efforts to clear himself and expose the real thieves.

It is and old fashioned adventure and there are some thrilling parts. - the scary cave of wild cats and when Hayley has to somehow climb down a windmill to escape the evil Eli Wallach. Pola Negri (in a rare appearance) looked stunning as the Countess.

Water

It is the best of Mills' Disney films and certainly more captivating and suspenseful than their other collaborations. It is a decent mystery that isn't overly complicated. However, it is very different than the book!! I would recommend watching the movie before reading the book, otherwise you will be very disappointed.

Iriar

*Some spoilers*

Hayley Mills. Except no substitutes. She was the thief that stole my heart. She was my north, my south, my...the other bit. But now this. A Disney nasty. The plot is written by what appears to be a drunken chimp. The first thing you notice is Hayley looks different. She's got....bits. Sort of curves. And what looks suspiciously like a double chin. Something is wrong here in this remarkably disturbing film. She doesn't look like my Hayley. You know, the little scamp. The tear-a-way that touched a generation. The bobby on the beat cannot stop her. Tanks cannot stop her. Bubonic plague dies at her feet. Arnold Schwarzenegger pleads a prior engagement. Resistance is futile. She's the engine of my soul. My North, my..etc. Could she finally have reached *gulp* puberty? Could she be having....stirrings? Interest *tremble* in boys? Say it ain't so, Joe. I'm in a daze, Haze.

Our Haze is on holiday in Crete and takes an immediate shine to a good looking young guy named Mark whose involved in some dodgy dealings involving stolen jewelry. They stand on some steps together and Haze talks wistfully up at the moon. That's close enough, pal. Along comes Eli Wallach as Stratos in a warm up for his part as Tuco in 'The Good, The Bad And The Ugly' two years later. He even crosses himself like Tuco when he sees the Madonna. You see Tuco, there are two kinds of people in this world. Spurs who come in through the door and those that come in through the window. Those with loaded guns and those who dig. Those who prefer Hayley Mills as sweet and virginal (albeit dangerous in a built up zone) and those who belong in jail. Stratos definitely fits the latter category. The original Hayley would not simper in front of men and take being man-handled, slapped and generally patronised. No building or tree or poncho would be left standing. Do I not like this. Mark follows Stratos to the beach at night, suspecting him of jewelry smuggling and is shot and falls into the sea. Unfortunately he lives and asks our Haze to procure some brandy for him from the hotel bar. Somebody shoot him again. How can he corrupt our beloved (if disconcertingly tall) Hayley like that? Later on he even (smelling salts) KISSES her. You know...on...on the lips. Stratos looks for Mark with a gun. "Stratos! Stratos! He's in the church!" we cry in unison, but it is our Haze who is imprisoned in a windmill and has to be rescued by Mark's young Cretan friend (catch-phrase: "This is no time to make love") in a gob-smacking scene like Hitchcock on acid. Flying around on the end of a sail our Haze falls on Mark nearly killing him with puppy fat. Sadly he gets up and is on Stratos's trail again. Suffering from his usual aversion to dry clothes, Mark plunges into the sea again and Stratos tries to run him over in a boat. That's it Stratos, HIT HIM! But no. Stratos's sister is played by Irene Papas who it seems is contractually obligated to appear in any film made on Crete (even that kenneth Branagh bomb) and gives a performance that belongs in a proper film. With real people. And a six year old Hayley Mills. You know, the real world. Ignoring his sister's pleading to leave our Haze alone and repent his wicked ways, Stratos goes for a rendezvous on a boat to sell the jewelry stolen from Mark's employer. What follows is a truly bizarre series of events involving a double crossing honoury consul with a drunken wife, a hearse masquerading as an ambulance, a femme fatale of dubious repute with a dress sense that makes Norma Desmond look like a piker, a yacht boudoir like a Cecil B DeMille set without the charm and last, but not least, a cheater without a lead and a pathological fear of actors. AND Hayley Mills is given alcohol and falls over drunk.

This horrifying film will give me many a sleepless night. Did the decadence of the sixties leave nothing un-sullied in it's pernicious wake? To see ANY minor abused and corrupted in a film is bad enough, but Hayley Mills? And couldn't they stop her growing up like they did with Judy Garland? And keep her off the handburgers? Be warned, this Disney film is the 'Reservoir Dogs' of that dark decade. The seventies were cool, though.

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