The shelf

The Moon-Spinners (1964) poster

All Ages

The Moon-Spinners

1964

On holiday in Crete with her aunt, young Nikky Ferris meets a handsome Englishman, then finds him shot and in hiding, accused of a jewel theft. Convinced he's innocent, Nikky helps him clear his name, and finds herself in real danger.

The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.

Runtime
1 hour 58 minutes
Rating
G
Director
James Neilson
Cast
Hayley Mills, Eli Wallach, Peter McEnery, Joan Greenwood, and Irene Papas
Picture
Color
Genre
Mystery, Family, Thriller, Romance
Shelf
Family

Why it’s here

A Hitchcock-style Disney adventure on Crete in which a young woman helps an accused man clear his name. Real suspense and gorgeous locations.

Context notes

For parents, before you press play.

Shotguns are aimed at people, and a man is shot and falls into the sea, tense moments for little ones. Drinking (once to dull the pain of a wound), smoking, some sexist put-downs, and mild romance.

Discussion questions

When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.

  1. Why did Nikky trust Mark?
  2. Who was the villain, and how did you know?
  3. What was the most suspenseful moment?
  4. Was Nikky's aunt a help or a hindrance?

Content advisory

Common Sense Media 10+: shotguns aimed and fired, a man shot; insults; smoking and drinking; brief kisses.

Best edition

The disc comes first.

The Moon-Spinners (1964)

DVD · January 14, 2003

Coming later

Where to stream

Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.

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