Sometime between 'Pollyanna' and 'The Trouble With Angels', Hayley Mills made a few teen-age films for Walt Disney. This one is the most delightful. It is based on the novel "Mother Carey's Chickens." From the first title when we find out that the place is Boston and the time is RAG, the movie is enjoyable.

Hayley plays Nancy Carey - daughter of recent widow Dorothy McGuire. She has two younger brothers Gilly and Peter. The older is played by Broadway's Eddie Hodges who was the original Winthrop Paroo on the New York stage in 'The Music Man' and in films with Frank Sinatra in 'A Hole in the Head.' Here he is a little older but no less delightful and the perfect sibling for Hayley. Jerry Mathers' (the Beaver) younger brother Jimmy Mathers plays Peter and he is a more natural actor than Jerry and also shines.

Nancy has arranged through the local postmaster of Beulah, Maine, that they move into a huge yellow house at a bargain rate. As her mother reads the letter received from Mr Poppum (Burl Ives) she realizes that Nancy has somewhat exaggerated their poverty-stricken condition.

Mr Poppum's son (Michael J. Pollard) and daughter Lallie Joy (Wendy Turner) are immediately taken with the family. Poppum's wife (Una Merkel) is less impressed. There are many funny scenes as the Careys are finally accepted by the population of Beulah.

The owner of the yellow house Old Mr. Hamilton finally returns - and surprises the family he did not know was living in there.

I don't want to say much more because, if you have seen this film, you know - if you haven't, I don't want to spoil it for you. Just know that it is a lot of fun. This is due in no small part to the songs by Robert and Richard Sherman. I think this is better than their score for 'Mary Poppins.' If you know 'The One and Only Genuine Family Band' songs, you know how good they can be. And this is before their dreadful score for 'The Happiest Millionaire.'
The title tune is beautifully sung while we see images of summertime.

Hayley sings 'Beautiful Beulah' and 'Feminity' and duets with Hodges on 'Pink of Perfection.' Such fun songs and very natural staging - not a lot of choreography. Ives' solo 'The Ugly Bug Ball' is very funny and includes some great close-ups of some really UGLY BUGS!!!

This movie is available now at amazon.com or other places online. It is supposedly out of print, so get it while you can. Enjoy with your whole family. It is magic....so sad that Disney doesn't produce live action musicals like this anymore. But then - he doesn't have Hayley Mills....or Annette.

With the passing in May, 2001, of Deborah Walley this movie takes on a special poignancy. Deborah plays cousin Julia who is being passed from family to family because she is orphaned. Her stay with the Careys is heralded by the aforementioned 'Pink of Perfection' in which Nancy and Gilly gleefully compare Julia to all kinds of animals and plagues. One lyric mentions her 'knock knees.' Peter of course, after hearing the song, exclaims to the shaggy dog he has brought home, "Boy, I can't wait to see HER!!." When Julia arrives and climbs down from the car, Peter pipes her gams and exclaims: "She's not knock-kneed, Nancy!" Deborah has some good scenes and eventually turns out to be an okay girl.

SUMMER MAGIC is a magical movie. Watch it, share it, and don't be surprised if you find yourself humming the title tune sometime in the next few months as you sit on the porch and stare at the summer stars. Hayley Mills is magic. She always has been. And this showcase where she is one of a talented ensemble presenting a strong story - she is better than ever.

*A personal note - a year ago, I saw Hayley Mills playing Mrs. Anna in a touring production of 'The King and I.' She was just great! She carried the story wonderfully. Her scenes with the King, Lady Thiang, and the children were all superb. And when she sang 'Hello, Young Lovers' she soared. And she took every person in the theatre along with her. Afterwards, she signed programs and chatted with all waiting for her at the Stage Door...and there were a LOT of us! As she signed my book, I said, "She's not knock-need, Nancy!" and Hayley started to laugh. Everyone around us laughed, too. Obviously 'Summer Magic' is very popular. Hayley said, still laughing, "Thank you, Walt Disney!"

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups