Reviews

The Truth About Spring recounts the adventures of Tommy Tyler, a lazy sailor and his tomboy daughter, Spring, as they meet William Ashton, a young lawyer cruising the Caribbean. They soon join forces and engage in the search of a buried treasure also coveted by menacing pirates. This film, shot off the Costa Brava coast in Spain in the spring of 1964, is an excellent entertainment for the whole family and arguably one of Hayley Mills' best movies. Indeed, the 18 year-old British actress delivers one of her finest performances. Her on screen chemistry with both her father (John Mills) and James MacArthur is delightful. Most of the scenes are funny, witty, sweet and moving. Even our heroes' encounters with the competitive pirates are amusing rather than really violent. It's a shame this little gem of a movie has not been officially released on DVD. Nevertheless, if you happen to find it in any other format, do not hesitate! Enjoy it! And that's the truth about it!

Based on Herman Raucher's script and personal life, Summer of '42 is a very touching movie about the coming of age of three young friends in New England at the outbreak of WWII. While his friends Oscy and Benjie are more interested in girls their age hoping to experience their first romantic adventure, Hermie rather falls for Dorothy, a young and beautiful woman (played by a radiant Jennifer O'Neill) who's husband has just been send to the European front. Light and amusing notes describing the various challenges the three teenagers are meeting in their quest are intermingled with the sober and pure relationship developing between Hermie and Dorothy as they become friends. The magical music theme of Michel Legrand brilliantly underscore the nostalgic tone of a film that beautifully captures Hermie's (but in an allegoric way, all of us) growth through friendship, love and lost of innocence. Truly one of the most moving and beautiful films I have ever seen.

Although I have known about this film for quite some time, I only had the opportunity to watch it recently. I must admit I was very positively surprised. Director J. Lee Thompson offers a masterful piece of suspense thanks to his skillful use of black and white images. The contrast of light shadows on the characters' faces as well as an excellent variation of camera angles translate the tension and emotion of the movie. Even though, the main plot may be about a young girl witnessing the murder of a cheating woman by her angry seaman boyfriend, the real story is, in fact, the relationship that evolves between the young witness (who manages to get hold of the crime weapon) and the almost accidental murderer. Both characters quickly discover a common fate and develop a protective friendship before challenges and events help them engage in an impossible albeit beautiful love story. The chemistry between Horst Buchholz (soon to become a star in The Magnificent Seven) and Hayley Mills is perfect and really gives the needed touch of poignancy to their relationship. In her first on screen apparition, the daughter of Sir John Mills is already stealing the show using a exceptionally wide range of acting skills. It is not difficult to see in her captivating eyes the promise of the future brilliant performances she will offer in Pollyanna, The Parent Trap or Whistle Down The Wind.

Many different movies have been made out of Eleanor Porter's novel throughout the years. The story of the young Pollyanna, adopted by her strict aunt after the death of her parents, bringing back a long lost joy to an entire village is rather well known. Still, this Walt Disney version is both very charming and moving. It is probably thanks to David Swift excellent craftsmanship as a director, portraying some interesting characters while alternating with success funny or lighter moments with deeply moving ones. It may be thanks to a beautiful cast of experienced actors such as Jane Wyman (as the strict aunt), Karl Malden (as the flaming priest), Adolphe Menjou (as the recluse Mr Pendergast) or Agnes Moorehead (as the hypochondriac Mrs Snow). It could also be related to the beautifully optimistic message of joy and friendship. Yet, it is certainly due the exceptional on-screen presence of young British actress Hayley Mills. Her performance, only surpassed, in my opinion, by the one she delivers in The Parent Trap, earned her an Academy Award and allows her to deliver the spontaneity, curiosity and joy of living characteristic of Pollyanna. With such a package of qualities, this movie may do more than bring the best out of its character by bringing the best out of ourselves thanks to a little bit more than two hours of happiness.

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.

The Parent Trap is a wonderful Walt Disney comedy. It allows us to benefit (in part thanks to the then revolutionary "split screen" technique) from a great performance by two Hayley Mills instead of one! The story of twin sisters discovering each other at a summer camp and trying to rebuild their "broken home" is very endearing. Yet, the emotion is well balanced with refreshing humor and quid pro quo situations. The cast is superb and it is worth mentioning the magnificent acting by the ever beautiful Maureen O'Hara and masculine Brian Keith. There is also a great appearance by Hitchcockien Leo G. Carroll in the role of a really funny Reverend. Still, center stage is Hayley Mills, 15 years old when the film was released, always funny, witty and really enchanting. Eventually, looking back at it now, The Parent Trap also, in my opinion, send us a feeling of nostalgia, like a frozen time capsule of the early 1960's.