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THE GHOSTS OF BUXLEY HALL (Dir: Bruce Bilson, 1980).
Originally screened in two parts on the long running Disney anthology series, at this point in its history broadcast on NBC under the Disney’s Wonderful World banner; The Ghosts of Buxley Hall is a throwback to Disney fantasy comedies such as Blackbeard’s Ghost (Robert Stevenson, 1968) and Charley and the Angel (Vincent McEveety, 1973). Failing military academy Buxley Hall is forced to merge with a cash strapped girls school, enraging the ghosts of founder General Eulace C Buxton, cohort Sergeant Major Chester B Sweet and wife Betina Buxley (played by Dick O’Neill, Victor French and Louise Latham respectively). Their focus soon shifts to aiding new student Jeremy (Red Daly) whose scheming aunt and uncle threaten both the future of the school and more importantly the well being of their nephew.
Although very much a product of its time The Ghosts of Buxley Hall is undemanding formulaic fun. It has a welcome, albeit slight, feminist message, although some may find gags involving smoking and alcoholism and some mild risqué humour involving a sex education class a little out of place in a family movie. With regards to modern audiences, I imagine this film is more likely to appeal to grownup children of the 1970s/80s than by actual children.
Is The Ghosts of Buxley Hall a good movie? Not particularly. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I kinda did. It felt nostalgic, raised the odd smile and kept me out of mischief for 90 odd minutes.
Visit my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME for more reviews of classic and vintage Disney movies! Link below.
Movie number 30: Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates (Norman Foster, 1962). Originally shown in January 1962 in two parts on the television anthology series Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, Hans Brinker was released to cinemas internationally in 1964. An adaptation of the popular children’s novel by Mary Mapes Dodge, the movie stars Rony Zeaner as the titular Hans, a struggling Dutch artist who enters a skating contest in hope of winning the prize money to pay for an operation for his father who is injured while attempting to repair local sea defences.
Despite its TV origins Hans Brinker is, like virtually all Disney releases of its era, a high quality product. While it’s narrative is divided neatly in two halves and the fades for commercial breaks are noticeable I can imagine watching this on original release, probably as the second half of a double bill, unaware of its made for TV status due to its high production values. Shot on location on the Zuider Zee and in Rembrandt’s Amsterdam home and featuring a largely Dutch cast and crew it is markedly different in tone from Disney’s American product. It is a slow moving drama punctuated by the excitement of the storm battled dam rescue, a kidnapping and the inevitable skating contest. Davy Crockett’s Norman Foster directs in a low-key yet professional manner as befits the story.
While I found much to enjoy in this movie I will admit it is probably something of an acquired taste and possibly of interest more to Disney historians than casual viewers. However, if you are in the mood for low-key family drama cum Netherlands travelogue you could do much worse than seek out Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates.
HACKSAW (Dir: Larry Lansburgh, 1971).
Originally screened in two parts on NBC's The Wonderful World of Disney in September 1971. Hacksaw is a handsome outdoor adventure with a leading role for former teen heartthrob Tab Hunter. Rarely seen since its original broadcast, it has recently been made available to view on the Disney+ streaming service.
Hacksaw, a wild stallion is captured by Canadian cowboy Tim Andrews (Hunter) and friend Susan (Sue Curtis). Hacksaw's speed and strength see the stallion and Tim engaged by an aging rancher (Ray Teal) to ride on his behalf at a championship chuck wagon pull at the famed Calgary Stampeed.
Read the full review on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
The Boy Who Talked to Badgers (Dir: Gary Nelson, 1975).
A family drama first aired in two parts on NBC’s The Wonderful World of Disney television series. Difficult to obtain for many years it is now available to watch on the Disney+ streaming service.
Based on Allan W. Eckert’s 1971 novel Incident at Hawk's Hill, The Boy Who Talked to Badgers tells the story of young farm boy Benjy MacDonald (Christian Juttner). Preferring the company of animals to humans Ben largely disconnects with others, notably his stern father Will (Carl Betz). When out playing in a nearby creek, Ben falls in and is carried downstream. Believing him drowned, his guilt-ridden father organises an extensive search of the surrounding area. Ben, meanwhile is aided by a badger who befriends him and keeps him supplied in raw fish while the boy's injured ankle heals.
Read the full review on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
