Hayley Mills Summer Magix is a nostalgic film that takes its viewers on a journey through the enchanting and magical world of summer. The story revolves around a young girl named Hayley Mills, who discovers a hidden realm filled with magical creatures and ancient artifacts. Throughout the film, Hayley embarks on a series of adventures, encountering mythical creatures such as fairies, mermaids, and talking animals. With each encounter, Hayley learns valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the importance of embracing one's true self. One of the highlights of the film is its breathtaking visuals and stunning cinematography. The summer landscapes are beautifully captured, immersing the viewers in the vibrant colors and warmth of the season.
SUMMER MAGIC is available on DVD and via Amazon Instant Video rental.
The movie doesn t have a particularly memorable plot, meandering through a series of vignettes and musical sequences, punctuated with some genuinely funny bits. At 110 minutes the film s saggy storyline could have been tightened up quite a bit, but the good cast nonetheless puts it over and provides a pleasant time.
The summer landscapes are beautifully captured, immersing the viewers in the vibrant colors and warmth of the season. The use of special effects enhances the magical elements of the storyline, making it a truly captivating experience. The film also boasts a talented cast, with Hayley Mills delivering a remarkable performance in the lead role.
Mondays with Hayley Mills: Summer Magic (1963)
Summer might be over but there’s still magic to be found in cinema. Summer Magic was originally planned as a vehicle for Disney darling Annette Funicello, but the success of starlet Hayley Mills made her too irresistible to pass up for this Meet Me in St. Louis throwback. A heartwarming tale of a small-town family making good, this is a great example of what Disney was crafting in the 1960s.
Margaret Carey (Dorothy McGuire) is a widow forced to move her children from Boston into the country. Margaret’s resourceful daughter, Nancy (Mills) ends up getting the family a deal on a large country fixer-upper, thanks to the home’s kindly caretaker (Burl Ives).
Summer Magic is the inverse of Meet Me in St. Louis, understandable considering the screenwriter is Sally Benson, the author of the stories that became that Judy Garland classic. Benson sticks to what she knows; where Judy Garland’s family was threatened with moving from St. Louis to the harsh world of New York, the Careys are content to move from Boston to the country. Both movies play out as vignettes, episodic moments from a quaint life, more pronounced here because we only ever see the Careys in the country. This does make the film feel a tad aimless. The Careys are embraced with open arms and quickly acclimate to their new surroundings.
Mills is at her most enthusiastic as Nancy Carey, a girl whose big ideas are as boundless as her imagination. Her English accent never entirely goes away, but her romantic yearnings and enjoyment are entertaining. Her relationship with Burl Ives’ Osh Popham is darling, especially in light of the Careys losing a father and husband, necessitating their move in the first place. Ives takes pity on the family, covering their expenses and letting them live in the house rent-free under the landlord’s nose. Popham is lonely and the beautiful rendition of the title song lets the adopted family, with Popham are replacement patriarch, come together.
This emphasis on adoption and familial creation drives the third act when a plot starts to take form. The Careys are tasked with caring for their cousin Julia (Gidget Goes Hawaiian’s Deborah Walley), a sentiment Nancy isn’t keen on, stating that in some cases adoption is an “unfortunate investment.” Cue the unfortunate investment herself, Cousin Julia. I wasn’t keen on Walley’s Gidget but she fares better as the snooty city cousin who requires baths and is a prim contrast to Nancy’s athleticism and intelligence. Their eventual reconciliation and undying love for each other plays false, conjured out of thin air, because there’s little impetus for it other than the presumed threat of Julia going home to her parents. After that, Nancy becomes a completely new character, competing with Julie over guys and singing a rousing song called “Femininity.”
Disney in-house songwriters, Richard and Robert Sherman are legendary….but Summer Magic isn’t their best work. The title song is lovely, and the opening track, a jaunty jig called “Flitterin'” sets the appropriate tone. The latter tracks, “Ugly Bug Ball” and the aforementioned “Femininity,” end the film on a jarring tone. Walt Disney wasn’t a fan of the former song until Robert Sherman explained the point of it. No offense to Robert, but I’m siding with Disney. The whole experience, song, set-up and ensuing scenes, play as if htey belong in a zany 1960s comedy, complete with a sitar; the video footage of bugs spliced in shows insects I’m fairly certain aren’t indigenous to Maine. One can’t complain against “Ugly Bug Ball” when played against the insufferable “Femininity.” I’ve never heard such an overtly sexist song in a Disney movie, at least not one which wears its heart on its sleeve. You can say the time period plays into it, but there’s no other song that even sounds like it, another lyrical interlude out of its time period. With lyrics like “hide who you are” and “compliment his masculinity,” it’d be easy to say this is the misguided advice of children, but it gets the girls what they want.
Summer Magic is a warm throwback to simplicity and country living, themes repeated often during this decade. Hayley Mills’ average All-American sweetness enchants and Burl Ives is a cuddly father figure. The songs aren’t anything special, but if you enjoy Meet Me in St. Louis, you’ll enjoy this quasi-continuation/sequel.
Ronnie Rating:
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Her portrayal of a curious and imaginative young girl is both endearing and relatable. The supporting cast, including seasoned actors and actresses, brings depth and authenticity to their characters, further enhancing the overall narrative. One of the key themes explored in Hayley Mills Summer Magix is the power of imagination. The film encourages its audience to embrace their creativity and believe in the wonder and magic that can be found in everyday life. It serves as a reminder to never lose touch with one's inner child and to always approach the world with a sense of awe and wonder. Overall, Hayley Mills Summer Magix is an enchanting and nostalgic film that will transport viewers to a world of imagination and magic. It serves as a reminder of the joy and beauty that can be found in the simplest of moments, and the importance of embracing one's true self. Whether young or old, this film is sure to ignite a sense of wonder and leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "Reviving the Spirit of Hayley Mills' Summer Films"
1. Lisa - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Hayley Mills Summer Magic" but I was left feeling disappointed. The plot felt predictable and there were no real surprises. The characters also fell flat for me, lacking depth and development. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Mike - 1/5 stars - I couldn't finish "Hayley Mills Summer Magic". The writing was choppy and disjointed, making it hard to follow the story. Additionally, the pacing was slow and I found myself getting bored. I was hoping for an engaging summer read, but unfortunately, this book just wasn't it.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While "Hayley Mills Summer Magic" wasn't my cup of tea, I can see how it might appeal to others. The writing style didn't resonate with me and I found it hard to connect with the characters. However, the setting was well-described and the author had potential. I would be open to giving their future works a chance.
4. Tim - 2/5 stars - The concept of "Hayley Mills Summer Magic" sounded promising, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with slow sections dragging on and fast-paced moments feeling rushed. The dialogue also felt forced and unnatural, making it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Unfortunately, this book just didn't captivate me.