The Moon-Spinners
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Moon-Spinners
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Moon-Spinners is a classic Disney mystery adventure -- with an unmistakably 1960s tone -- based on a suspense novel by Mary Stewart. There is casual sexism throughout, with patronizing dialogue and occasional physical aggression toward women. That said, the lead character Nikky, played by a sparkling Hayley Mills, is a strong female role model -- smart, brave, and loyal, she uses her initiative and shows determination. In addition to the sexism, there are also some examples of stereotyping both in terms of class and how the British and Greek characters are portrayed. While there is no sex or iffy language and only occasional drinking or smoking -- reflecting the social and cultural norms of the 1960s era -- there is a thread of violence running through the action. Characters wield guns, one man is shot with subsequent bloody injury details, and there are fist fights throughout. However, the story is largely a tale of romance and mystery in a beautiful Greek setting.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE MOON-SPINNERS follows the adventures of young Englishwoman Nikky Ferris (Hayley Mills) who arrives on the island of Crete for a holiday with her Aunt Frances (Joan Greenwood). Despite a less than friendly reception at The Moon-Spinners hotel, Nikky forms a bond with another guest, the charming Mark Camford (Peter McEnery). When Mark is attacked by the hotel owner's hostile brother Stratos (Eli Wallach), Nikky is drawn into a mysterious and dangerous escapade to find a stash of stolen jewels and clear Mark's name.
Is It Any Good?
Part holiday romance, part crime caper, this classic Disney adventure is full of mystery and suspense from the off that makes for an an entertaining jaunt. That's if you can put aside The Moon-Spinners' occasional sexism and bigotry, and frequent -- though relatively mild -- violence.
The cast is an array of mostly British acting talent, led by a sparkling Mills as the indefatigable Nikky. Greenwood is perfect as Aunt Frances -- haughty and entitled one moment, kind and compassionate the next. While John Le Mesurier and Sheila Hancock are on point as the corrupt British consul and his duplicitous (or merely drunken?) wife. At face value, you may find The Moon-Spinners to be slow moving and old-fashioned, but -- like a mash up of Connery-era James Bond, 1950s Hitchcock, and Mamma Mia! -- it has charm and intrigue aplenty, stunning Greek island scenery, and that all-important hint of romance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender roles in The Moon-Spinners. How are the male and female characters represented? In what ways do they portray -- or reject -- stereotypes?
Did the characters and the story keep you gripped and intrigued? If so, how? Talk about what makes a movie suspenseful.
Talk to your kids about the violence in this movie. Although it is rarely graphic or gory, it is certainly frequent. Did you think it was necessary to the story? How did it compare to more recent mystery adventures?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 8, 1964
- On DVD or streaming: January 14, 2003
- Cast: Hayley Mills, Peter McEnery, Eli Wallach
- Director: James Neilson
- Studios: Buena Vista, Disney+
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures, Book Characters
- Run time: 118 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Enola Holmes
Entertaining period mystery has feminist messages, violence.
-
Harriet the Spy
Book-based movie has some bullying, name-calling.
-
Emil and the Detectives
Kids outsmart criminals in engaging detective story.
For kids who love adventure and mystery
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate