The Moon-Spinners (1964)

Young English girl Nikky and her aunt arrive at the Moon-Spinners, a hotel on Crete, to a less than enthusiastic welcome. The coolness of the owner is only out-done by the surliness of her ... See full summary »

Director:

James Neilson

Writers:

Michael Dyne (screenplay), Mary Stewart (book)

Stars:

Hayley Mills, Eli Wallach, Peter McEnery

Cast

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

Storyline

Young English girl Nikky and her aunt arrive at the Moon-Spinners, a hotel on Crete, to a less than enthusiastic welcome. The coolness of the owner is only out-done by the surliness of her brother Stratos, recently back from London. But then there is nice English lad Mark to make friends with, at least until Stratos and his pal take a shot at him one night. When Nikky helps him hide she finds the Greeks are after her too.

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Plot Keywords:

crete | greek island | tied up | holiday | jewel theft | 

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Taglines:

WALT DISNEY'S surprise in suspense!

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Genres:

Family | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 July 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Millionenraub

Filming Locations:

Agios Nicholaos, Crete, Greece

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

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.

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Goofs

When Nickie is trapped in the windmill it is late afternoon, yet when they cut away to the aunt at the Inn, it is dark out as if it were night. Then, when Stratos goes to the windmill in the scene after that, it is late afternoon again.

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Quotes

Stratos: They cannot have lied. The stars cannot lie...
Madame Habib: Everybody lies when it serves their purpose, even the stars

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Connections

Edited into Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color: The Moon-Spinners: Part 3 (1966)

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Soundtracks

"The Moon-Spinners Song"
Written by Terry Gilkyson

User Reviews

Delicious Mystery in Crete

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.