Summer Magic

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

Summer Magic (1963 Movie)

Disney’s Summer Magic is a musical family film released in 1963. The movie is based on the novel “Mother Carey’s Chickens” by Kate Douglas Wiggin and was produced by Walt Disney Productions.

The story revolves around the Carey family, which consists of a widow, Margaret Carey, and her three children – Nancy, Gilly, and Peter. After the death of her husband, Margaret moves her family from Boston to a small town in Maine, where they inherit a run-down country house. With the help of the kindly postmaster, Osh Popham, and his family, they settle into their new life.

Facing financial difficulties, Margaret comes up with the idea of starting a summer theater in their barn to earn some money. They enlist the help of the eccentric Mr. Hamilton, who brings along his talented niece Julia. As they work together to put on the show, the family bonds grow stronger, and they learn valuable life lessons about love, friendship, and perseverance.

The film is filled with heartwarming moments, catchy musical numbers, and delightful performances by the cast. Haley Mills plays the role of Nancy Carey, and the film also stars Dorothy McGuire as Margaret Carey, Burl Ives as Osh Popham, and Deborah Walley as Julia.

Summer Magic was well-received by audiences and critics alike, praised for its charming story, beautiful scenery, and uplifting themes. The songs, composed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, became popular, and the film’s soundtrack was released separately.

Over the years, Disney’s Summer Magic has become a beloved classic among Disney fans, cherished for its nostalgic charm and endearing portrayal of family values. It is a timeless family film that continues to bring joy and smiles to audiences of all ages.



Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 1963
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $4.4 million
  • IMDB Link

Cast

  • Hayley Mills: Nancy Carey
  • Burl Ives: Osh Popham
  • Dorothy McGuire: Margaret Carey
  • Una Merkel: Mariah Popham
  • Deborah Walley: Julia Carey
  • James Stacy: Charles Bryant
  • Eddie Hodges: Gilly Carey
  • Jimmy Mathers: Peter Carey
  • Michael J. Pollard: Digby Popham
  • Wendy Turner: Lallie Joy Popham
  • Peter Brown: Tom Hamilton
  • O.Z. Whitehead: Mr. Perkins
  • Hilda Plowright: Mary
  • Harry Holcombe: Henry Lord

Crew

  • Director: James Neilson
  • Producer: Walt Disney and Ron Miller
  • Music: Richard M. Sherman.  Robert B. Sherman and Buddy Baker

Movie Trailer:




About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.