The Ugly Dachshund

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland










Year Released: 1966
Michael's Movie Grade: C+

HistoryThis movie was based off a 1938 book by Gladys Bonwyn Stern with the same name. It is no surprise that this book would inspire a Disney movie considering that it is a silly comedy book involving animals. For a director Walt put Norman Tokar in charge. Tokar had already directed such Disney films as Big Red, Savage Sam, A Tiger Walks and Those Calloways. The writer of this film was Albert Aley and this was the only theatrical feature he ever wrote. Aley did much more work for TV writing episodes of shows like Ironside, Rawhide, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Rifleman and Have Gun- Will Travel. The cast included Dean Jones (just off his role in That Darn Cat), Suzanne Pleshette and Disney regular Charles Ruggles. This was Suzanne Pleshette's first Disney role. She would later be in The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin, Blackbeard's Ghost and the Disney supervised English dub of Spirited Away. Probably her best remembered role today is as Annie Hayworth in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. The Ugly Dachshund was the last film for actor Dick Wessel. He died after principal photography was finished. Still after he passed some lines needed to be re-dubbed. Paul Frees was hired to do this dubbing. Disney fans might know Frees as the voice of Ludwig Von Drake and The Ghost Host in The Haunted Mansion ride. Cartoon fans might know him as the voice of Boris Baddenoff, Rocky and Bullwinkle's archenemy.    

To play the role of the Great Dane, Brutus, one of the animal trainers found a 3 year old prize winning dog named Diego of Martincrest. Some scenes however required a dog with more experience. So a dog named Duke was his stunt double. Duke was no newcomer to Disney movies as he had previously appeared in Swiss Family Robinson.

The Ugly Dachshund was released with the Disney cartoon short, Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree. Critics though more of the short film than the feature. A review for The New York Times wrote "Three cheers for Winnie the Pooh! The Ugly Dachshund? He'll do." Other critics were much harsher. A review in Time magazine stated "Such comedies as this one are too wholesome for kids, too foolish for dog fanciers and a sure way to persuade young adults that movies filled with sex and violence can't be all bad." Yet audiences sure went to see this film. It earned $6 million at the box office.


Review
An enjoyable comedy, but certainly far from the excellence of earlier Disney live action comedies.

While this may not be a Disney classic, there are certainly things to enjoy here. Mark is a quite likable character. We can always relate to him and sympathize with him. This film also features some good comedy set pieces. The beginning with the traffic cop, Fran keeping Mark up all night naming the puppies, the big party and the dog show are all funny and highlights. The story also has a simple and undeniable charm.

While this movie does have some good comedy set pieces it also has some very weak ones. Watching the puppies wreck Mark's art studio is simply not funny at all. We like Mark and seeing these puppies not only destroy his studio, but to see his beloved Brutus get blamed for it leaves little to laugh about and seems annoying instead. The scene involving a ball of yarn has the same effect. A very embarrassing birthday party offers little humor as well.

 The Ugly Dachshund is probably the safest movie Disney made during this period. As such there is little to make it stand out among the studio's great output. Still there is a fun little movie, even if it can't hold its own with The Parent Trap, The Absent Minded Professor or That Darn Cat.

Credits
Director: Norman Tokar.
Writer: Albert Aley.
Cast: Dean Jones (Mark Garrison), Suzanne Pleshette (Fran Garrison), Charles Ruggles (DR. J.L. Puritt), Kelly Thordsen (Officer Carmody), Parley Bear (Mel Chadwick), Robert Kino (Mr. Toyama), Mako (Kenji), Charles Lane (Judge).
Producers: Walt Disney, Winston Hibler.
Music: George Burns, Evelyn Kennedy, Franklyn Marks.
Cinematographer: Edward Colman.
Editor: Robert Stafford.
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, Marvin Aubrey Davis.
Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Frank R. McKelvy.
Costume Designers: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne.
Makeup Artists: Pat McNally, La Rue Matherson.
Assistant Director: Tom Leetch.
Second Unit Director: Arthur J. Vitarelli.
Sound Artist: Robert O. Cook.
Special Effects Artist: Eustace Lycett.
Dog Trainers: William R. Koehler, Glen Randell Jr.

Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061135/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/94305/The-Ugly-Dachshund/articles.html
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Ugly%20Dachshund%20%28The%29
Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia by Dave Smith.

-Michael J. Ruhland 
   



 

That Darn Cat

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland













Michael's Movie Grade: A-
Year Released:1965


                                              HistoryThat Darn Cat marked the last film actress Hayley Mills would make for Walt Disney and the last cinematic adventure she would have for the studio, as she decided not to renew her contract so that she could peruse acting opportunities at other studios and in different types of films. She would return to the studio in the 1980's to make some made for TV sequels for The Parent Trap for the Disney Studio. Intrestingly while this film said farewell to a Disney star it also introduced a new one with Dean Jones. Dean Jones would go on to star in such Disney films as The Ugly Dachshund, Monkey's Go Home, Blackbeard's Ghost, The Love Bug and The Million Dollar Duck. When Walt had hit upon the book called Undercover Cat he knew it would be perfect as it would give a more grown up role to now adult Hayley, while it would still provide much of the slapstick humor expected from the studio's live action output.

The book was by the husband and wife team Gordon and Mildred Gordon. Unusual for a Disney film, both of them worked on the script for the movie. They co-wrote the movie with Bill Walsh, one of the studio's most reliable writers. Gordon Gordon actually had previously worked for the FBI, and since the organization played a huge role in the story, the real FBI watched the film closely to make sure no secrets were given away.  

When released the film was a hit with both audiences and critics. The movie grossed $9 1/2 million just in its domestic release. Bosley Crowther of the New York Times called it "an entertaining picture".  The film would be rereleased to theaters in 1973 and would receive a 1997 remake (also by the Disney studio).

                                                                     

                           
                                                        Review Extremely delightful slapstick comedy.

There is much to recommend about this film. The acting is topnotch. Hayley certainly ends her acting career with Disney on a high note. She has lost none of the charm that she had as a child actress. She gave everything she had to this role and it shows. Dean Jones similarly proves himself to be a great new star for Disney movies. He gives a fantastic comic performance here, heightening each joke in the movie. Even those with small roles give great performances. William Demarest helps provided some of the film's best laughs and Ed Wynn as always is a delight to watch. Also helping make this film so good is the tight perfect pacing. Despite being near two hours (a long length for a silly slapstick comedy), the movie never drags and keeps moving at a fast fun pace. However topping all these elements is that the movie is simply funny. This is one of the most laugh out loud funny of the studio's live action comedies. The humor here is simply fantastic and the jokes come at a fast pace.

All in all this is an extremely fun movie and a delight for all Disney fans.                                                            Film CreditsDirector: Robert Stevenson
Writers: Gordon Gordon, Mildred Gordon, Bill Walsh.
Based on a book by Gordon Gordon and Mildred Gordon
Cast: Hayley Mills (Patti Randall), Dean Jones (Zeke Kelso), Dorothy Provine (Ingrid Randall), Roddy McDowall (Gregory Benson), Neville Brand (Dan), Ellen Lanchester (Mrs. MacDougall), William Demarest (Mr. MacDougall), Richard Eastham (Supervisor Newton), Grayson Hall (Margret Miller), Tom Lowell (Canoe), Richard Deacon (Drive in manager), Iris Adrain (Landlady), Liam Sullivan (Graham), Don Dorrell (Spires), Glen Blakely(Cahill), Karl Held (Kelly), Ed Wynn (Mr. Hofstedder), Larry J. Blake (Police Officer), John Cliff (FBI Agent), Ben Lessy (Drive-In Concessionaire)
Producers: Walt Disney, Ron Miller, Bill Walsh.
Music: Bob Brunner
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Cinematographer: Edward Colman.
Assistant Director: Joseph L. McEveety
Second Unit Director: Arthur J. Vitarelli 
Editor: Cotton Warburton.
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, William H. Tuntke
Set Decorators: Hal Gausman, Emile Kuri
Costume Design: Bill Thomas
Makeup Artists: Pat McNally, La Rue Matherson
Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas
Special Effects Artist: Eustace Lycett
Matte Artist: Jim Fetherolf
Costumers: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne, Luther Bayless
Animal Supervisor: William R. Koehler

Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059793/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/2011/10/that-darn-cat-1965.html



-Michael J. Ruhland

The Monkey's Uncle

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland














Michael's Movie Grade:C+
Year Released: 1965



                                                              HistoryThe Monkey's Uncle was a sequel to an earlier Disney movie called The Misadventures of Merlin Jones. The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was originally planned to be the last Disney film for Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello. However after its huge success at the box office, it was decided to make a sequel. This sequel would end up being the last Disney film for the two stars instead. Also returning here is the same director as The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, Robert Stevenson, as well as writers Alfred Lewis and Helen Levitt. Since Alfred Lewis and Helen Levitt were blacklisted at this time (believed to have connections with the communist party) they once again worked under the pennames Tom and Helen August.

This film marked the cinematic debut of Mark Goddard, who is best remembered today for playing Don West in the TV series Lost in Space. The first episode of that show would premiere later the same year this movie was released.

When released this film was better liked by critics than the previous film. They didn't consider it any cinematic masterpiece, but they admitted that it was fun. On the other hand while this film didn't do bad at the box office, it was not as successful as the previous movie.


                                                                     ReviewThis is a quite entertaining film, however it will never be mistaken for one of the Disney studio's best.

This film inherits both the pros and cons of its predecessor. Like the first movie this one is also broke up into two different stories. Again the transition here does not work and feels abrupt and distracting. While in this case it fairs better than it did the previous movie, it still doesn't work. The first segment has some charm due to the likable characters and naturally flowing story, it is easily the weakest segment of the movie. The reason for this is that there are very little real laughs here. This film is a comedy first and foremost and a lack of laughs is a big problem with a comedy. Again the story itself isn't that bad and actually has some intriguing ideas. The characters while not fully developed are likable and we want to see things work out well for them. Despite this though the lack of laughs keeps this segment from being as good as it should be. The second segment actually has some great laughs, but sadly too few. I did laugh out loud watching the scene where they are viewing footage of airplane flights, Leon's great dream sequence, Stanley playing the heater like an accordion and the film's great ending. However on the other hand these moments did not make up the majority of the segment. Often there was too much time in between, where the jokes just weren't that funny. Still this segment again had likable characters and a story that seemed to flow naturally. It also had a great song called I Can Fly. Speaking of songs this movie does start with a song sung by Annette as well as The Beach Boys. While the lyrics are extremely corny, the song is fun and it is cool to see the Beach Boys preform in a Disney movie. With all this said though the film has one major problem which I haven't addressed. While it can be fun, it is also forgettable and it is likely you won't remember much of it the next day.

Overall this is an enjoyable little comedy for Disney fans, but it is far from the best the studio could provide at this time. It does actually have a fantastic and very funny ending though that even those who don't like the rest of the movie may enjoy.  

                                                                     Film CreditsDirector: Robert Stevenson.
Writers: Alfred Lewis Levitt, Helen Levitt
Cast: Tommy Kirk (Merlin Jones), Annette Funicello (Jenifer), Leon Ames (Judge Holmsby), Arthur O'Connor (Darius Green III), Judy (Stanley), Frank Faylen (Mr. Dearborne), Leon Tyler (Leon), Norman Grabowski (Norman), Cheryl Miller (Lisa), Connie Gilchrist (Mrs. Gossett), Alan Hewitt (Professor Shattuck), George Clarke (College President), Mark Goddard (Haywood), Harry Holcombe (Regent), Alexander Lockwood (Regent), Harry Antrim (Regent), The Beach Boys (Themselves)
Producers: Walt Disney, Ron Miller
Music: Buddy Baker
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Cinematographer: Edward Colman
Editor: Cotton Warburton
Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costume Artists: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne
Makeup Artist: Pat McNalleySpecial Effects Artists: Robert A. Mattey, Eustace Lycett
Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Monkey%27s%20Uncle%20%28The%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059462/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

-Michael J. Ruhland

Those Calloways

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland












Michael's Movie Grade:A+
Year Released: 1965

                                                                History

Those Calloways was directed by Norman Tokar, who had previously directed Big Red, Savage Sam and A Tiger Walks for the Disney studio. He may also be remembered by fans of 1950's and 60's TV for directing a whole 93 episodes of Leave it to Beaver. The writer was Louis Pelletier, who had previous written Big Red for the studio. The cast also features some returning faces familiar to Disney fans including Disney regulars Brain Keith and Ed Wynn as well as Vera Miles who had previously been in A Tiger Walks.  

However the most fascinating name to see here for fans of classic films is Max Steiner, who wrote the score. Steiner was one of the most prolific and best film composers of all time. He composed the scores for such films as Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, Lost Horizon, Dark Victory, The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Lost Patrol, The Letter and provided one of my favorite movie scores of all time with Now Voyager. This marked the last film he personally worked on and his only Disney film. Steiner's biographer, Steven C. Smith felt that one of the reasons the great composer was asked to work on this film was because of his score for the movie Spencer's Mountain (1963), starring Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara and directed by Delmer Daves (Destination Tokyo (1943), Dark Passage (1947), 3:10 to Yuma (1957)), which had a very Americana score which fit the Disney image perfectly. Smith had nothing but great things to say about Steiner's score writing "At 76, Steiner could still write music that overflowed with melody and a joy for life." This was because Steiner felt passionate about this movie. Winston Hibler produced this movie under Walt Disney. Hibler would write to Walt that Max was "highly enthusiastic about the picture and apparently deeply touched by it." In September of 1964, Hibler wrote to Walt, "We have finished re-recording the picture and wedding the music to the visual. It was a happy marriage. Max Steiner created a melodic and sensitive score for us. I can truthfully say that of all the picture I have produced, Those Calloways has proved the most gratifying in every way."   

This movie was a big undertaking for the studio. Though some of it was shot in Vermont, the film's majority was shot on the studio backlot. This meant that a whole village set was built on this backlot including a lake. To complete the illusion 280,000 leaves were even painted, so that the film would look like Fall in Vermont.


The film did not do very well at the box office. With critics the film received very mixed reviews. Some critics absolutely loved the movie, while others found it a chore to sit through. Despite this though Walt knew the talent of those working behind the scenes and appreciated what they brought to the movie. Because of this he would team director, Norman Tokar and writer, Louis Pellitier again for the later feature Follow Me Boys!. 




                                                      Review

Incredible film is dripping over with not only optimism but pure sincerity.

While this movie could have easily come off as cheap or corny, it never does. The reason for this is that both the characters and the setting feel so incredibly real. Never for a moment do you not believe what is happening on screen. This is shown to its best advantage with our lead character Cam Calloway. While he is a dreamer fighting up against a cynical world, he too has his own demons, particularly drinking. His wife is loving and faithful, but still doesn't always see how things can work out. While his son has a complicated relationship with a neighborhood girl, but still takes the time to always be there for his father. These characters are far from the stereotypes often found in these films and instead are real characters that never lose their believability. This is not hurt by the great cast portraying them. The whole town around them also feels just as real. Not for a second do you ever think this town could have existed only in a movie studio's backlot. Instead it feels as real as if you could take a trip to visit there right now. Adding to all this Max Steiner's last film score is a complete triumph. This score sweeps you into the action and the setting for this wonderful film perfectly. It is an amazing last hurrah for one of the movies' greatest composers.

This film is an absolute delight from start to finish and a must watch for every Disney fan. Hopefully one day it will get the attention it so rightfully deserves.

                                                              Film Credits

Director: Norman Tokar.
Writer: Louis Pelletier
Based on a book by Paul Annixter.
Cast: Brain Keith (Cam Calloway), Vera Miles (Lydia Calloway), Brandon de Wilde (Bucky Calloway), Walter Brennan (Alf Simes), Ed Wynn (Ed Parker), Linda Evans (Bridie Mellott), John Larkin (Jim Mellott), Philip Abbott (Dell Fraser), Parley Baer (Doane Shattuck), Frank de Kova (Nigosha), Roy Roberts (E.J. Fletcher), John Qualen (Ernie Evans), Tom Skerritt (Whit Turner), Paul  Hartman (Charley Evans), Russell Collins (Nat Perkins), John Davis Chandler (Ollie Gibbons), Chet Stratton (Phil Petrie), John Byrant (Doug), Frank Ferguson (Doctor), Renee Godfrey (Sarah Mellott), Kenner G. Kemp (Chauffeur)
Producers: Walt Disney, Winston Hibler
Music: Max Steiner
Cinematographer: Edward Coleman
Editor: Grant K. Smith
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, John B. Mansbridge
Special Effects: Eustace Lycett
Set Decorators: Emil Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costume Designer: Bill Thompson
Assistant Director: Tom Leetch
Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron
Makeup Artist: Pat McNally
Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas
Matte Artist: Jim Fetherolf
Costumers: Chuck Keene, Gertrude Casey
Animal Unit: Lloyd Beebe, William R. Koehler

                                                                 Resources Used

The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
Music by Max Steiner: The Epic Life of Hollywood's Most Influential Composer by Steven C. Smith 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059796/?ref_=rvi_tt
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/2011/09/those-calloways-1965.html  

Emil and the Decectives

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland.














Michael's Movie Grade: B+
Year Released:1964


                                                            HistoryEmil and the Detectives was another foreign made Disney live action feature. This time the film was shot in Germany, often on location in Berlin and featured mostly a foreign cast. However unlike most of the previous foreign made Disney efforts this one was one of the studio's live action comedies. This was also the only Disney movie directed by Peter Tewksbury. Tewksbury only directed four other theatrically released feature films (Sunday in New York, Doctor You Have Got To Be Kidding, Stay Away Joe and The Trouble With Girls). He had a great career directing for television though. In his TV career he directed a whooping 134 episodes of Father Knows Best and 37 episodes of My Three Sons.


The film was adapted from a 1929 book by Erich Kastner of the same name. This was not the first time this book had been made into a film. In fact three film adaptions existed before hand. There was a 1931 German film version (written by Billy Wilder later director of such classics as Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard and Some Like it Hot), a 1935 UK version and a 1954 German version. After the Disney film version would also come a 2001 movie version made in Germany. All of these were named Emil and the Detectives.

Despite being the Disney studio's big Christmas time release (first played: December 18th, 1964), it failed to gather much if any attention at the box office. Critics however gave the film positive reviews, especially praising the performances by the child actors.


                                                               ReviewExcellent movie is just a lot of fun.

There is so much that is very charming about this film, not the least of which is the characters. While not all the characters are fully developed, all of them are likable and fun to watch. Gustav is probably the most developed of these characters and he is a treat. His character is always very relatable and charming but most of all a lot of fun to watch. On top of this you really do feel for him emotionally when things at their worst. Both our tough and vulnerable sides can be seen through this character and both are completely believable as the same character. Adding to this enjoyment is the fact that this film has some really good laughs in it. This movie may not be jam-packed with gags, but there still are definitely some real laugh out loud moments in here. In fact none of the humor in this film misses and even the weakest jokes have a bit of charm to them. Adding the charm even more is how good this film looks amazing. Art directors, Werner and Isabell Schliching and cinematographer, Günther Senftleben are at the top of their game here. More than just looking good this look helps tell the story by making the environment it takes place in so vivid.

There are some faults to this film though. One of these faults is the musical score. It can be a bit overwhelming at times by constantly echoing the characters movements and letting you know a joke is funny. Another fault is that the climax can feel a bit slow and too long compared to the rather fast pace of the rest of the film. Regardless of these, the movie's good points outweigh the bad, making this an excellent film and even if it is not one of Disney's best that is just a testament to how great so many Disney films are instead of anything against this movie.

                                                                        Film CreditsDirector: Peter Tewksbury
Writer: AJ Carothers
Based on a book by Erich Kästner
Cast: Bryan Russel (Emil Tischbein), Robert Mobley (Gustav), Walter Sezlak (Baron), Heinz Schubert (Grundeis), Peter Ehrlich (Müller), Cindy Cassel (Pony), Elsa Wagner (Nana),  Eva-Ingeborg Scholz (Frau Tischbein), Wolfgang Völz (Wachtmeister Stucke), Franz Nicklisch (Desk Sergeant), Brian Richardson (Professor), Robert Swan (Hermann), David Petrychka (Dienstag), Ann  Noland (Frieda), Ron Johnson (Rudolf), Rick Johnson (Hans)
Producers: Walt Disney, Peter V. Herald
Music Score: Heinz Schreiter
Cinematographer: Günther Senftleben
Editors: Thomas Stanford, Cotton Warburton
Art Directors: Isabell Schliching, Werner Schliching
Customer Designers: Leo Bei, Josef Wanke
Makeup Artists: Joachim Schmalor, Jupp Paschke
Assistant Director: Brigitte Liphardt
Production Manager: Paul Waldherr
Cameraman: Franz Hofer
Sound Artist: Bernhard Reicherts

                                                                        Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Emil%20and%20the%20Detectives
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058056/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

-Michael J. Ruhland

Mary Poppins

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland










Michael's Movie Grade: A+
Year Released 1964

                                                       History
The Mary Poppins books first caught Walt's attention in 1938. At this time Walt was reading them to his daughters and an interest to make this film spawned. However P.L. Travers, the author of the books did not want a movie version of these books to ever be made. Still this was something Walt was pretty persistent about and by 1961, with a personal visit he convinced her to let him make a screen version. However as anybody who has watched the excellent movie Saving Mr. Banks knows this was not the end of clashes between Walt and P.L. Travers. P.L. Travers argued with Walt on many of the details of the film including the use of animation in the Jolly Holiday song number and the casting of Dick Van Dyke. In the end she never was happy with either of those decisions. In fact it is reported that she ran out of the movie's premiere in tears.

In the opening scene in which Mary Poppins  is sitting on a cloud, Julie Andrews was sitting on top of a very tall latter. When we are introduced to Bert he is dancing and singing while holding many musical instruments to make this possible these props where made very light. The musical lyric "I walk in the door at 6:01" was an inside joke because that was the time Robert Sherman actually got home from work. The scarf for Mary Poppins was especially knitted for this movie thanks to design consultant Tony Walton. In The Spoonful of Sugar song sequence a professional was hired to do the whistle for the bird. However the studio was not happy with this whistle and Julie Andrews did it herself. The bird itself was an animatronic and later ended up at the World's Fair singing A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow a song written by the Sherman brothers who wrote the songs for this movie. Dick Van Dyke played Mr. Dawes as well as Bert. To also add to this the makeup was done so elaborately to make sure no one recognized that this was the same actor who played Bert. The idea to make Mrs. Banks a suffragette came from the fact that she was absent for most of the book. It was decided that she should be doing something outside of the house for this to make sense in a movie. Due to the time and place this film takes place making her a suffragette makes the most sense.

Since this was Julie Andrews' cinema debut, the Jolly Holiday song sequence was filmed first. This was because she came from Broadway and this was a very Broadway style musical number. This was planned by Walt himself to make the actress feel more at home. The animated penguin waiters in this scene came about because waiter always reminded Walt of penguins by the way they moved. Julie Andrews was cast in this role because Walt had seen her both on The Ed Sullivan Show and in a stage production of Camelot. Dick Van Dyke was cast in the film because of him stating an interview (that Walt heard) that there should be more films for the entire family. Karen Dotrice and Mathew Garber were cast because they were in the last Disney feature (The Three Lives of Thomisina). Though Glydis John was considered for Mrs. Banks from the beginning of production (she had previously been in the Disney films The Sword and the Rose and Rob Roy), she did not except the role until the Sherman brothers wrote a song for her.

Karen Dotrice stated that often times she believed that what was happening was real. She was even nervous at first around David Thomlinson who played Mr. Banks. She was not a trained singer. Her father worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Walt paid for the voice coach for that company to train to sing. However she trained Karen to sound more grown up which was not what the studio wanted so she had to unlearn it. Julie Andrews helped her phrase and time her singing.

The film was a massive hit with both audiences and critics. The film earned $31,000,000 at the box office, something unheard of in 1964 and the biggest money maker to come out of the studio since Snow White. The movie was nominated for 13 academy awards. It won five of these (Best Actress, Best Song, Best Score, Best Visual Effects and Best Editing). The film has played a massive part in Disney lore as well. There is a Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland (my favorite place to eat there), Mary Poppins and Bert can be seen in Disneyland as well, and a feature film was released in 2013 called Saving Mr. Banks, about the making of this film. A sequel to Mary Poppins was planned in the 1980's but did not come to fruition. However a sequel called Mary Poppins Returns is planned for release in 2018. A stage musical based off the movie came out in 2004.  

                                                              ReviewOne of the Disney studio's greatest achievements and one of the greatest fantasy films ever made.

To describe Disney films, the word magical has often been used. Nowhere is that word more apt than here. This film is pure movie magic. It takes you on such delightful magical experiences as jumping into a painting, racing on a merry-go-round horse, having tea on the celling and so much more. These experiences are spent in ways only the movies could bring us and should enchant film lovers of all types. Adding to this magic is the amazing Step in Time musical number, which has to be one of the best choreographed dances in the history of movies.


Beyond just high quality entertainment this film shows great depth and a pure mastery of the cinematic art form. One of the best scenes has little actually happening in it. This is when Mr. Banks walks towards the bank at the end of the movie. We just see him walking there and see that he is reflecting on everything that has happened to this point. Only the movies can make a man simply walking to his workplace such a powerful image. There is no dialogue here the scene is shown through just pure cinema at its best.

 The cast in this movie is incredible from the largest to the smallest part not a single actor or actress ever doesn't feel completely embraced in the part. Of course much of the weight rests on Julie Andrews playing Mary herself. Mary is not an easy character to play. She is unpredictable and you never know what she is going to do next. However she is always completely sincere about everything and we always need to believe her. Luckily Julie Andrews plays this part perfectly and with complete sincerity.


This movie combines everything that is great about Disney movies and does it all flawlessly. You see incredible characters, a sense of never ending imagination, great songs, amazing animation, and again just pure movie magic. This film is practically perfect in every way and is one of those movies that reminds us why we fell in love with movies in the first place. To say this is a must watch would be an understatement.

                                                     Film Credits Director: Robert Stevenson.
Writers: Bill Walsh,  Don Da Gradi.
Based on a book by P.L. Travers.
Cast: Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins), Karen Dotrice (Jane Banks), Matthew Garber (Michael Banks), Dick Van Dyke (Bert, Mr. Dawes Sr.), David Thomlinson (Mr. Banks), Glynis Johns (Mrs. Banks), Hermione Braddeley (Domestic), Reta Shaw (Domestic), Elsa Lanchester (Katie), Arthur Treacher (Constable), Reginald Owen (Admiral Boom), Ed Wynn (Uncle Albert), Jane Darwell (Bird Woman), Arthur Malet (Mr.. Dawes Jr.), James Logan (Bank Doorman), Don Barclay (Mr. Binnacle), Alma Lawton (Mrs. Corry), Marjorie Eaton (Miss Persimmon), Marjorie Bennett (Miss Lark), Walter Bacon (Citizen), Frank Baker (Bearded Gentleman in Bank), Robert Banas

(Chimney Sweep), Art Bucaro (Chimney Sweep), Harvey Evans (Chimney Sweep), Cryil Delevanti (Mr. Grubbs), Betty Lou Greerson ( Old Crone), Clive Halliday (Mr. Mousley), Sam Harris (Citizen), David Hillary Hughes (Banker), Kay R. Kuter (Man), Queenie Leonard (Lady), Doris Lloyd (Depositor), Lester Mathews (Mr. Tomes), Matthew McCue (Man), Hans Moebus (Citizen), King Mojave (Banker), Skippy (Dog), Bert Stevens (Man), Walter Swash (Man), Hal Taggart (Banker), Larri Thomas (Woman), Wally West (Banker), Robert Williams (Man). Voices:  Dal McKennon (Fox, Carousel Guard, Hounds, Hunting Horse, Penguin, Reporter), J. Pat O'Malley (Horseman), Jim Macdonald (Penguins, Guard, News Reporter, Photographer), Ginny Tyler (Barnyard Animals). Producers: Walt Disney, Bill Walsh. Music: Irwin Kostal. Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman. Editor: Cotton Warburton. Cinematographer: Edward Colman. Cameraman: Travers Hill. Assistant Directors: Joseph L. McEveety, Paul Feiner. Second Unit Director: Arthur J. Vitarelli. Animation Director: Hamilton Luske. Art Directors: Carroll Clark, William H. Tuntke, McLaren Stewart. Nursery Scene: Bill Justice, Xavier Atencio. Costumes: Chuck Keehne, Gertrude Casey, Bill Thomas, Tony Walton. Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron. Makeup Artist: Pat McNalley. Special Effects Artists: Peter Ellenshaw, Eustace Lycett, Robert A. Mattey. Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas. Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman. Background Artists: Al Dempster, Don Griffith, Art Riley, Bill Layne. Animators: Milt Kahl, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Hal Ambro, Frank Thomas, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, Cliff Norberg, Jack Boyd.                                                            Recourses UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin. DVD commentary by Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice, Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Mary%20Poppins https://www.bcdb.com/cartoon-characters/35-Mary-Poppins -Michael J. Ruhland

The Moon-Spinners

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland














Michael's Movie Grade:A+
Year Released: 1964


                                                       HistoryWhen Hayley Mills was growing up and turned into an adult, it became obvious that she could not always play the same Disney roles as she did earlier. An answer to this was The Moon-Spinners, a suspense movie inspired by the film work of Alfred Hitchcock. Hayley herself said that she didn't want to play little girls all the way into her twenties and was very happy about this role. The film was based off a book by Mary Stewart with the same name. The idea to adapt this book came from Walt's wife Lillian who had just read the book. After reading the book himself Walt knew this would be a perfect vehicle for the now grown up Hayley Mills (18 years old at this time).

The film was shot on the island of Crete as well as the Pinewood studios in England.  

This movie marked the last film for actress Pola Negri. Negri had been a huge star in the silent era, however she had essentially retired from movies 21 years earlier in 1943. She later remembered that the main reason she agreed to be in this movie was because of Walt Disney himself. She felt Walt was a true gentleman and because of this he won her over to come out of retirement for one more movie. Negri made a small but important change to her character. The script said she would own a Siamese cat, but the actress felt she should instead have a cheetah.

 Critics were not especially fond of the movie feeling that it was too clichéd and dull. Audiences didn't go see the movie and the film turned out to be a flop.


                                                          

ReviewIncredibly fun movie is just pure entertainment.

The plot itself is propelled by what Alfred Hitchcock referred to as a McGuffin. This is something that is not all that important to the audience but is extremely important to the characters and moves the plot forward. Like in Alfred Hitchcock's best films, the McGuffin is used perfectly here. We are so fascinated by the characters and great scenes that we hardly notice it here, until after the movie is done. This is a movie with plenty of scenes that stay well implanted in an audience's mind long after watching the movie. These include a very tense scene with Nikki trapped in a windmill and the brilliant comedy aboard the ship (adding to this is that the comedy is equally propelling the suspense forward making all the more fun to watch). One reason these scenes work so well is that the characters are great. Luckily before the suspense we get to know these characters very well. This means when the suspense scenes come we are on the edge of our seat because we already like these characters. Even the minor characters have very well thought out personalities. It doesn't hurt that the movie has a fantastic cast. Also helping make this film so great is Paul Beeson's cinematography which is not only beautiful to look at but also pulls you into the suspense of the movie.

This is definitely a movie that needs more attention. It is highly entertaining from beginning to end, but sadly remains one of the Disney studio's most underappreciated films.

Film Credits Director: James Neilson.
Writer: Michael Dyne
Based on a book by Mary Stewart.
Cast: Hayley Mills (Nikki Ferris), Peter McEnery (Mark Camford), Eli Wallach (Stratos), Joan Greenwood (Frances Ferris), Irene Papas (Sophia), John Le Mesurier (Anthony Gamble), Paul Stassino (Lambis), Shelia Hancock (Cynthia Gamble), Michael Davis (Alexis), Pola Negri (Madame Habib), Andre Morell (Yacht Captain), George Pastell (Police Lieutenant), Tutte Lemkow (Orestes), Steve Plytas (Hearse Driver), Harry Tardios (Bus Driver), Pamela Barrie (Ariadne)
Producers: Walt Disney, Hugh Attwooll, Bill Anderson
Music: Ron Grainer
Songwriter: Terry Gilkyson
Cinematographer: Paul Beeson
Editor: Gordon Stone
Casting: Maude Spector
Art Director: Tony Masters
Assistant Art Director: John Graysmark
Costumer Designer: Anthony Mendelson
Make Up Artist: Harry Frampton
Hairdresser: A. G. Scott
Production Manager: Peter Manley
Assistant Directors: John Peverall, Arthur J. Vitarelli, Costas Ferris,  Spyros SpyromiliosCameramen: David Harcourt, Michael Reed, John Wilcox
Sound Artists: Jonathan Bates, Gordon K. McCallum, Dudley Messenger, Otto Snel,  Graham V. Hartstone
Special Effects Artists: Jimmy Harris, Garth Inns, Jimmy Ward, Jack WoodbridgeResources Used The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Moon-Spinners%20%28The%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058371/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Walking With Walt 1964 by Jim Fanning

-Michael J. Ruhland