The Devil's Brigade - 1968

This is a great action movie based on World War II's 1st Special Service Force. This unit was created from both American and Canadian troops and was used during the war for difficult missions. As with any movie of this type, the facts of the events depicted are not always accurate but they do accurately convey the courage and determination of the 1st Special Service Force. The film succeeds in drawing you into the lives of the men involved. As they face the dangers of war, you become involved emotionally and cheer for their success and cry for the loss of the men who fought and died for this country. This movie has plenty of action and moves along well. The acting is well done as is the filming. Some of the scenes would be too intense for young children but a good film for all. Not all war movies have stood the test of time but this is definitely one of them.  *****

The Moon-Spinners - 1964

Enjoyable film of suspense and intrigue based loosely on the novel by Mary Stewart. While on holiday on the island of Crete, Nikki (Mills) becomes involved in trying to find a fortune in stolen jewels. If you have read Stewart’s book and are looking for a faithful adaptation, you will not find it here. However, Disney did a great job of creating an intelligent screenplay that matched the spirit of the story. Great performances by all, but especially that of Hayley Mills, who definitely demonstrated her ability to move into older roles. Personally, though, I would have preferred to see the strength her character showed in the book and a little less screaming. :-) The filming was excellent with some wonderful scenes of Crete and the local culture. Loved the edge-of-your-seat windmill scene! This is definitely a great family friendly film that we would enjoy watching again in the future. ****

Bye Bye Birdie - 1963

Mildly entertaining. Since this storyline has always seemed a little silly, it has never been one of my favorite musicals. Even so, it still had several strengths, with the superb performances of Dick Van Dyke and Ann Margaret probably being at the forefront. Unfortunately, there were several equally weak performances that detracted from the film. The music was enjoyable with some great humor, but several of the numbers from the play have been cut in this film version as well as several major storyline changes. Just Ok. ***

Born Free - 1966

Exceptional adaptation of the book by Joy Adamson. This extremely accurate film is based on the struggle of George and Joy Adamson (husband and wife) to return a lioness they had raised back into the wild. This heart-warming story will delight you from the very outset, and includes both humor and intense drama. Outstanding portrayal of the Adamsons by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna. In fact, they deliver such believable performances, you will wonder if they are really ARE the Adamsons. Actually filmed in Africa, the cinematography is superb, both of the countryside and the lions. Whether or not you are into wildlife films, this is truly a classic and not to be missed!  ****

Yours, Mine & Ours - 1968

Enjoyable movie based on the book written by Helen North (“Who Gets the Drumstick”) which tells of their real-life experiences after she met and married Frank Beardsley, joining their two families (18 children). Although not totally accurate, the movie does a great job of portraying many of the emotions and efforts of Helen and Frank to unite their families. The struggles they face are both humorous and touching. Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda have great on-screen chemistry and are very believable in their roles with a great supporting cast. The movie is full of humor and is especially enjoyable because it’s a more realistic portrayal of the situations a family of this size would encounter. Having read the book years ago, I fell in love with this movie and have enjoyed watching it many times. (If you are a fan of more believable humor rather than the slapstick variety, this is the version to watch rather than its recent remake.)  ****

That Darn Cat - 1965

Delightful Disney classic! After her cat shows up with a watch around its neck, Patti (Mills) is convinced it came from a recently kidnapped bank teller. When the FBI gets involved, one of their agents (Jones) sets up surveillance to follow the cat. This humorous story is well written with some witty dialog and comic situations. Great interactions between each of the main characters as well as the many supporting characters, from the nosy neighbors to the jealous boyfriend. Although mainly a comedy, there is also some good suspense. The kidnappers (Gorshin & Brand) are actually fairly chilling and you feel the fear of the bank teller. Performances were wonderful from everyone, including the cat! Especially loved the nosy neighbors, Lancaster and Demarest, who steal every scene they are in! It was also great fun, however brief, to see Ed Wynn as the jeweler. The filming was good and although the film included plenty of comic physical humor, this film managed to avoid the overdone silly slapstick of its ’97 remake. This is definitely a family favorite!  *****