While I was a great Hayley Mills fan during that era, I found this dumbed down Disney adaptation of Mary Stewart's engrossing novel disappointing. The story revolves around a young girl, Nikki Ferris, who travels with her aunt to the Greek island of Crete. While there, Nikki and a handsome young love interest named Mark become involved in unearthing a case of jewel theft and murder, all in connection with the hotel's surly, unwelcoming owner and her villainous brother, Stratos.
My complaints are numerous. For starters, Stewart's heroine is supposed to be a young woman in her early 20's...smart, independent, and competent though ultimately vulnerable to the unfolding events. Hayley Mills, much as I like this actress, just seemed totally wrong for the role. Stewart's Nicola simply isn't intended to be the perky, whiny, fresh faced teenager, Nikki, that is portrayed here by Mills. Also, although there is a budding romance involved, the novel is essentially a mystery thriller. This movie seems more a teen romantic comedy with a few mystery / suspense elements thrown in. Some have aptly described Nikki's relationship with Mark as puppy love. In the novel Nicola is older and it's a genuine romance.
I loved the book which I read as a teenager myself and really admired Nicola, who's such an intelligent heroine. It was so difficult for me to get past her age & character transformation and the different genre given to the tale that I failed to enjoy this movie. Really, the entire plot of this Disney flick deviates so much from the novel that most of the time, I would hardly have recognized it.
However, there is lovely Greek scenery and it's undoubtedly an entertaining film for those who haven't read the book. I don't begrudge anyone their enjoyment of it. Hayley gets her first screen kiss here from Peter McEnery who portrays Mark. Also, I'd definitely recommend this movie for viewing by young people, as it's a whole lot more inspiring than most of what's out there these days. Just whatever you do, don't read the novel first! I repeat...DO NOT READ THE BOOK FIRST.
My complaints are numerous. For starters, Stewart's heroine is supposed to be a young woman in her early 20's...smart, independent, and competent though ultimately vulnerable to the unfolding events. Hayley Mills, much as I like this actress, just seemed totally wrong for the role. Stewart's Nicola simply isn't intended to be the perky, whiny, fresh faced teenager, Nikki, that is portrayed here by Mills. Also, although there is a budding romance involved, the novel is essentially a mystery thriller. This movie seems more a teen romantic comedy with a few mystery / suspense elements thrown in. Some have aptly described Nikki's relationship with Mark as puppy love. In the novel Nicola is older and it's a genuine romance.
I loved the book which I read as a teenager myself and really admired Nicola, who's such an intelligent heroine. It was so difficult for me to get past her age & character transformation and the different genre given to the tale that I failed to enjoy this movie. Really, the entire plot of this Disney flick deviates so much from the novel that most of the time, I would hardly have recognized it.
However, there is lovely Greek scenery and it's undoubtedly an entertaining film for those who haven't read the book. I don't begrudge anyone their enjoyment of it. Hayley gets her first screen kiss here from Peter McEnery who portrays Mark. Also, I'd definitely recommend this movie for viewing by young people, as it's a whole lot more inspiring than most of what's out there these days. Just whatever you do, don't read the novel first! I repeat...DO NOT READ THE BOOK FIRST.