“Summer Magic 1963″ is a charming family film about a widowed mother and her children who move to a small town in Maine. Along the way, they find love, friendship, and plenty of quaint New England charm. With lively musical numbers, heartwarming moments, and a memorable cast of characters, this timeless classic is a must-see for anyone looking for a little summertime magic.”
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Review
In the sweltering heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing tale of magic and adventure to cool the spirits. That’s precisely what “Summer Magic,” starring Hayley Mills, delivers in spades.
Set in turn-of-the-century Maine, the film chronicles the journey of the Carey family as they move from their bustling city life to a tranquil rural retreat. There, they encounter a host of colorful characters, including an opinionated aunt and a mysterious man named Osh Popham.
Despite initial reservations, the Careys quickly fall in love with their new home and find themselves swept up in a series of enchanting escapades. From setting up a makeshift post office to staging a whimsical play, they prove themselves to be adaptable and resourceful.
All the while, Mills shines as Nancy Carey, the eldest daughter who must navigate newfound feelings of romance while supporting her family through challenges both big and small. With her natural charm and charisma on full display, she elevates an already engaging story to new heights.
But it’s not just Nance’s sparkling personality that makes “Summer Magic” so captivating – there’s also its expertly crafted soundtrack. The standout tunes, penned by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (best known for their work on Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book”), provide an infectious sense of joy that permeates every scene.
Yet despite its many strengths, critics were initially lukewarm on “Summer Magic.” Some found fault with its slow pacing or lack of dramatic tension. Others criticized its sentimentality as being too saccharine for modern tastes.
However, time has been kind to this forgotten gem of Hollywood’s golden age. Today, it remains a beloved classic among fans of family-friendly fare – even inspiring a 1999 television remake starring Katherine Heigl.
With its idyllic setting and heartwarming message about the importance of family, “Summer Magic” is a film that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers of all ages. So grab a glass of lemonade, kick back, and let yourself be swept up in this delightful tale of sun-soaked adventure.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 110
- Release : 1963-07-07
- Genre : Music, Comedy, Family
- Cast : Hayley Mills as Nancy Carey, Dorothy McGuire as Mrs. Margaret Carey, Burl Ives as Osh Popham, Deborah Walley as Julia Carey, Eddie Hodges as Gilly Carey
- Crew : Richard M. Sherman as Songs, Robert B. Sherman as Songs, Sally Benson as Screenplay, William E. Snyder as Director of Photography, James Neilson as Director
- Popularity 2.942
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Walt Disney Productions
- Summary : Disney musical about Mother Carey, a Bostonian widow and her three children who move to Maine. Postmaster Osh Popham helps them move into a run-down old house and fixes it up for them. It’s not entirely uninhabited, though; the owner, a Mr. Hamilton, is a mysterious character away in Europe, but Osh assures them he won’t mind their living there, since he won’t be coming home for a long time yet. The children and a cousin who comes to live with them have various adventures before an unexpected visitor shows up
- Tagline : THAT WONDERFUL HAYLEY! a-flitterin’ in a romantic whirl of her own!
