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This classic 1963 Disney film features child icon Hayley Mills as Nancy Carey, a teenage girl whose family moves from Boston to the New England countryside as a result of their father's untimely passing. Nancy writes to the kindly Mr. Poppem (Burl Ives) and single-handedly convinces him to rent the family a charming, if run-down, house for a mere $60 a year. Ever the optimist, Nancy brims with excitement at the family's new life, but this "perfect world" has its problems--notably an absentee landlord who knows nothing about the Carey family's rental agreement. Through hard work and Mr. Poppem's continuing generosity, the Careys fix up the house and find life in the rural Maine town quite satisfactory. Things become tense when their cousin Julia arrives for an extended visit, but eventually Nancy and Julia grow from one another's experiences and become good friends. You'll never guess what happens when the absent landlord returns unannounced during the family's Halloween housewarming party!
One section that may sit poorly with modern audiences features Nancy and Julia discussing how to emphasize one's femininity at the expense of hiding the real you--an indication of how much American thinking has changed in a relatively short period of time. Nevertheless, this is a charming tale featuring toe-tapping ragtime music, wonderful songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman including "Summer Magic" and "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the incomparable talents of Mills and Ives. Take a trip down memory lane and don't forget the kids. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi
Product Description
This film is based on the novel "Mother Carey's Chickens," by Kate Douglas, which has become an American classic.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
80 of 80 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
91 of 96 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
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.
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the movie!!!
The movie is an old favorite of mine. I would recommend it to anyone who loves musicals.
The movie arrived in a timely manner, which was appreciated.
The movie arrived in a timely manner, which was appreciated.
Published 3 days ago by Tanya
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a fun memory of earlier days
This movie is old, but I enjoyed it just as much as I did all those years ago. I recommend it.
Published 6 days ago by elmerwane
1.0 out of 5 stars
We could not play it due to the location 2 for Europe ended up...
We could not play it due to the location 2 for Europe ended up ordering again and no where to put this one since it could not be played
Published 10 days ago by daphene roorda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Summer magic is magic
Saw this movie as a child and enjoyed it. I thought it was just as good if not better now.
Published 13 days ago by C. S. Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Summer Magic
I am a fan of Halley Mills. I have watched most of her starting with the Parent trap. I love this one from a fictional town in Maine. Is where I'm from. Read more
Published 15 days ago by country girl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Family Favorite
Burle Ives really makes this movie fun. Back in the days of childish innocence as considered in a small town utopian society. All happy and gay! Read more
Published 21 days ago by Sumguynobuddynoes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Por amor a Hayley Mills
Muy buena imagen, buen sonido. El doblaje en español es excelente. Una película que había visto en mi infancia y que me convirtió en un admirador de... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rogelio Borra García
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magic
I've loved this movie since the second grade. This is the way Disney movies were meant to be. Perfect. If I could give it more stars I would.
Published 1 month ago by mel
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Pink of Perfection
The quality of the recording is not prime, but the heart of the movie is still there. Can't believe I still remember most of the songs. Burl Ives, Hayley Mills, amazing!
Published 1 month ago by Amber Goodman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Summer Magic
This has always been one of my favorite Disney titles. I love Hayley Mills as Nancy. Burl Ives is so charming. The story is very cute. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Coleen W.
