Undescribable Perfection

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

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.

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.

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.