The Moon Spinners (1964)

Two English women, a musicologist (Joan Greenwood) and her niece (Hayley Mills), are visiting the Greek island of Crete. But something strange is going at the inn they are staying at. The inn owner's (Irene Papas) brother (Eli Wallach) doesn't want them there for some reason and a mysterious stranger (Peter McEnery) doesn't appear to be an ordinary tourist. Many of Walt Disney's live action films of the 60s and early 70s don't hold up well, mostly because as a society we've moved beyond the wholesome somewhat naive values the films espouse. Fortunately, THE MOON SPINNERS is based on a mystery novel by Mary Stewart and the emphasis is on adventure and action. No longer a child, it was Hayley Mills' first young adult role and though there are no kisses, her first romantic-ish part. The Crete locations are gorgeous and one wishes that Paul Beeson's (TO SIR WITH LOVE) photography took more advantage of them. A pleasant diversion. Directed by James Neilson. With John Le Mesurier, Sheila Hancock, Andre Morell and in her final film appearance, the silent screen siren Pola Negri.