The Moon-Spinners

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.

Hayley Mills sleuthing on the island of Crete

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+