The Parent Trap (1961)

The Parent Trap with Haley Mills is a Classic "Baby Boomer" 45 year old family movie. I do love a bit of Disney fluff. It stars beautiful Maureen O'Hara and handsome Brian Keith; and gives us a double helping of a very young Hayley Mills, who plays twin sisters. The movie may be sugary sweet, but it is a real tribute to children, parenthood and love. Brian Keith (Mitch Evers) and Maureen O'Hara (Maggie McKendrick) divorced when their twin daughters were very young. Each took a child--one parent lives free and open California style (he), the other lives in stiff old upper Bostonian style (she). Their children reflect their respective parent’s lifestyle. By a fluke the girls end up in the same summer camp, of course they (Sharon and Susan) meet; and that's when the fun begins. Nancy Kulp of the 1962 television hit “The Beverly Hillbillies” is one of the camp counselor’s. After initially disliking each other, they find they have more in common than their disturbing identical looks. Once connected, they decide that their parents must be reunited. However, neither is counting on papa Brian Keith having a gold-digging sweetheart (Joanna Barnes) and her greedy mother lurking about. Never mind, the girls soon take care of that. The Parent Trap has some hilarious moments. Some are laugh out loud funny; just watch Leo G. Carroll who portrays Reverend Dr. Mosey, as he listens (and watches) the interaction between Mitch and Maggie after she arrives unexpectedly at her ex-husband’s home, the same day he and his fiancée (Barnes); and her mother, are finalizing wedding plans.

The movie has a superb cast, Una Merkel is Verbena, Mitch's very wise and knowing housekeeper, Cathleen Nesbitt and Charles Ruggles are the wonderful and doting grandparents. John Mills (Hayley's father) appears briefly as Mitch's golf caddy. “The Parent Trap” pioneered the processed split-screen technique, which allowed Hayley Mills to appear as twins. If you look very carefully you can spot a few tell-tale glitches. But why look for minor technical problems, just enjoy and introduce your children to this wonderful Walt Disney classic.

~Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations. 

Photo: The Parent Trap (1961) Movie Poster Allposters.com