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K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 8/15/2023...

A Walt Disney classic before the demise of Disney.

Disney Magic

Lonnie E. Holder | Columbus, Indiana, United States | 01/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Disney studios brought together a talented cast, a simple but effective script, and their family oriented production values, the result was often magic. Such was the case with this film, one of Hayley Mills' best.

When we join the movie the Carey family is under difficult times. Margaret Carey's (Dorothy McGuire) husband has recently passed away. Stock investments made by Mr. Carey have added to the family's fiscal woes. As Mrs. Carey struggles to figure out how the family will survive, headstrong Nancy Carey (Mills) has taken matters into her own hands by writing to Mr. Ossium "Osh" Popham (Burl Ives in one of his best roles) to ask whether a certain yellow house was available for rent. That Nancy exaggerated the extent of the family's financial need is temporarily overlooked, but not forgotten. Mr. Popham is more than happy to help the family and invites them to move into the yellow house for a modest rent.

The yellow house turns out to need a fair amount of work to make it livable, and Osh, who is also the owner of the local general store, continues to aid the Careys as they make improvements. We soon find out that Osh has not communicated with the owner of the house, Tom Hamilton (Peter Brown), with respect to all the various happenings related to the yellow house, and we know that at some point there will likely come a reckoning.

Adding to the family oriented fun is younger brother Peter Carey (Jimmy Mathers), who finds a creative way to get his hair cut, and then adopts a dog for the family. Cousin Julia Carey (Deborah Walley) is forced to move in with the Carey's due to financial circumstances with the family she has been living. That well-to-do family and their lifestyle causes a lot of stress in the financially strapped Carey family as Julia tends to mention them far too much.

Other supporting cast members include Una Merkel as Mariah Popham and Michael J. Pollard as Digby Popham. Michael also appeared in an episode of the original "Star Trek" television series.

The movie is somewhat anachronistic as feminism is equated with hiding your true self, particularly in the quest for seeking a husband. Yet, with that same definition of feminism we see strong female roles for Dorothy McGuire and Hayley Mills, so the relatively archaic attitude towards feminism is tempered somewhat.

As with any Disney movie, the realities of life are not completely ignored, and the long-absent Tom Hamilton finally shows up. While the difficult issue of what Mr. Hamilton will do with a family that has become somewhat of a squatter in his house, the ending does provide hope that all will turn out well in spite of Nancy's fears of the "yellow peril."

This movie has a few brief moments that may tinge on unsuitability for younger audiences, but parents should be able to explain those situations. Otherwise, I consider this movie suitable for families including even the youngest children. This movie is a winner that any family will find to be an excellent addition to their video collection.

"

Classic Hayley Mills

C. A. Luster | Burke, VA USA | 02/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Definitely one of Hayley Mills best films. Her fans definitely love it. Burl Ives, Dorothy McGuire, and Michael Pollard are wonderful in their roles as well as Hayley. The sets and music are delightful in this movie about an earlier time when life was simpler and although challenging, much kinder. Hayley does a fine job playing a young lady that is always full of optimism. In some respects like the optimism of Bing Crosby in "The Bells of St. Mary's". She charms her way to get what she wants. This color movie doesn't seem to age, since if you didn't know when it was made, you would think it could have been recently. Amazingly families today still find this an enjoyable movie, but then it is an amazing movie. Full of warmth and values of the heart. I recommend it to all, but especially to anyone that enjoys the older Disney classics."

A Wonderful Film

Jennifer (lovingreba@juno.com) | Tucson, AZ | 08/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After "The Parent Trap", this is Hayley Mills' best movie. It's funny, warm, and will leave you feeling good about life. Hayley Mills and Burl Ives deliver great performances, as does all the cast. This is a Disney classic, a must-see and must-own!"