The Moon-Spinners (1964)

Beneath the sun-drenched allure of the Isle of Crete, a tapestry of intrigue and danger unfurls in the tranquil coastal town of Aghios Georgios. British musicologist Frances Ferris and her bright-eyed niece, Nikky Ferris, traverse this Greek enclave recording folk songs for the BBC. They find lodging at the enigmatic inn, "The Moon-Spinners," a place humming with the anticipation of a wedding and shrouded by a peculiar disquietude. Despite the inn's distracted occupants, they find an unexpected ally in Alexis, the proprietress's son, a young lad with an affinity for American slang. It's through Alexis they learn of his Uncle Stratos' suspicious demeanor, a man seemingly transformed by his recent return from a fifteen-year stay in London. In this atmospheric setting, the Ferris women cross paths with the inn's only other guest, the charismatic Englishman, Mark Camford. Nikky, intrigued by the mysterious Stratos, fails to notice the undercurrents of tension between him and Mark. A volatile game of cat-and-mouse subtly unfolds between them, with Mark's frequent skin-diving in the nearby Bay of Dolphins and Stratos' clandestine activities underpinning their conflict. As the plot thickens, the stakes rise with the introduction of a stolen fortune in jewels, heightening the sense of danger. Mistaken identities, thrilling escapes, including a heart-stopping encounter with a windmill, all lead Nikky deeper into this labyrinth of suspense. Oblivious to the peril, she finds herself increasingly entwined in this dangerous dance between Mark and Stratos. This intriguing tale culminates in a dramatic showdown on the yacht of a quirky millionairess, a woman as renowned for her collection of priceless gems as she is for her pet cheetahs. "The Moon-Spinners" serves up a captivating blend of romance, Hitchcockian suspense, and comic relief, carefully seasoned with the local culture, creating a mystery thriller that will ensnare the entire family.

The Moon-Spinners is a family movie featuring Hayley Mills and directed by James Neilson.

The Moon-Spinners is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

It is also possible to buy The Moon-Spinners on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.