The Moon-Spinners facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Moon-Spinners
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	James Neilson
Produced by	Ron Miller Walt Disney
Written by	Michael Dyne
Starring	Hayley Mills Eli Wallach Peter McEnery
Music by	Ron Grainer
Studio	Walt Disney Productions
Distributed by	Buena Vista Distribution
Release date(s)	July 2, 1964 (1964-07-02)
Running time	118 minutes
Language	English
Money made	est. $3,500,000 (US/ Canada)

The Moon-Spinners is an exciting mystery film from 1964. It stars Hayley Mills, Eli Wallach, and Peter McEnery. The story is about a jewel thief hiding on the beautiful island of Crete. Walt Disney Productions made the movie. It was based on a suspense novel by Mary Stewart from 1962. James Neilson directed the film. A famous silent film actress, Pola Negri, also appeared in her very last movie role. This was Hayley Mills' fifth film out of six for Disney.

About the Movie

The Moon-Spinners is a thrilling adventure set in Greece. It combines mystery, suspense, and a bit of romance. The film is known for its beautiful scenery of the Greek island of Crete. It keeps viewers guessing about who the real villain is.

What's the Story About?

The story begins with a young English woman named Nikky Ferris. She travels to the village of Elounda on the island of Crete. Nikky is with her aunt, Frances, who studies folk music. They plan to stay at the Moon-Spinners Inn.

The innkeeper, Sophia, does not want guests at first. But her teenage son, Alexis, and Aunt Frances convince her. Sophia's brother, Stratos, also seems unhappy about them staying. He questions Aunt Frances about why they chose his inn. He finally allows them to stay for one night.

Later that evening, there is a wedding party at the inn. Nikky meets a young Englishman named Mark Camford. Mark invites Nikky and her aunt to dinner. He hints that Stratos might be involved in something secret. Mark then asks Nikky to go for a swim with him the next morning. Later that night, Mark secretly follows Stratos. Stratos goes night fishing at the Bay of Dolphins. While watching Stratos, Mark is suddenly attacked.

The next morning, Nikky learns that Mark has left the inn quickly. She does not believe Sophia's explanation. Nikky goes for a walk and finds a trail of blood. It leads her to a church basement. There, she finds Mark hiding. Mark asks Nikky to bring him some supplies. He does not explain how he got hurt. Nikky returns with a first aid kit, some brandy, and a blanket. Mark tells Nikky and her aunt to go to the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos for safety.

When Nikky returns to the inn, Stratos confronts her. He knows about the missing items from Aunt Frances. Stratos sees through Nikky's story. He searches the church, but it is empty. Stratos then ties Nikky up in a windmill. He asks his friend, Lambis, to find Mark. Later, Mark and Alexis come to rescue Nikky.

Nikky and Mark hide in an old, empty temple. Wild cats live there. Mark tells Nikky that he used to work at a bank. He was moving jewelry for a rich countess. But he was attacked and robbed. He then lost his job. Mark believes Stratos is the thief. He thinks Stratos hid the jewels somewhere in the Bay of Dolphins.

The two spend the night hiding in the temple. Stratos is hunting for them. The next morning, a British gentleman named Anthony Gamble finds them. He takes them to his summer house in Agios Nikolaos. His wife, Cynthia, takes care of them. Anthony tells them he will handle the situation. But Anthony is actually Stratos's partner.

Nikky learns from the Gambles about a rich woman named Madam Habib. She is traveling to Greece on her yacht. Mark figures out that Stratos plans to sell the stolen jewels to her. Cynthia gives Mark something that makes him very sleepy. The Gambles plan to send him and Nikky to an Athens hospital. On the way, Mark wakes up. He tells Nikky he must stop Stratos before it is too late. Nikky tries to stop Mark from leaving. But he decides to go straight to Madame Habib's yacht. He failed to stop Stratos from taking the jewels.

Nikky tells Madam Habib that Stratos is a thief. She explains he is selling stolen jewels. These jewels belong to the Countess of Fleet, who is an old friend of Habib's. Stratos arrives for the deal. Mark, Frances, and Alexis also arrive. A fight begins. The police arrive and arrest Stratos. Madam Habib returns the jewels to Mark. Alexis leaves by boat. He waves at Mark and Nikky. It seems like Mark and Nikky will be together.

Meet the Cast

Here are the main actors and the characters they play in The Moon-Spinners: