Summer Magic (1963)

Written by r96sk on July 17, 2020

Another one to put in the 'meh' category of live-action Disney.

'Summer Magic' isn't entertaining. You have Hayley Mills (Nancy), Burl Ives (Osh) and Dorothy McGuire (Margaret) all giving alright performances but most others things in this film are very plain.

The musical numbers are forgettable, as is the overall premise and supporting cast under Mills, Ives and McGuire. I have most definitely seen worse from the studio, this is still at least watchable. Going back to the plot, it just feels a bit slapped together without much thought or solid connection. The film ends quite abruptly, too.

1963, it's safe to say, wasn't Disney's strongest year for live-action. This adds to the disappointments of 'Son of Flubber', 'Miracle of the White Stallions' and 'Savage Sam'. Here's hoping 'The Incredible Journey' will conclude their releases from these twelve months on a high.