Blu-ray Review: The Truth About Spring (1965)

When you think of acting families many think of The Baldwin Brothers, or The Bridges, maybe you think of Hollywood royalty of The Barrymoores. But what about the Mills? Starting with Sir John Mills and wife Mary Hayley Bell and including their daughter child actress and classic Disney film star Hayley Mills.

Well, in 1965 father and daughter shared the silver screen for an adventure entitled The Truth About Spring. Now the good folks at Kino Lorber under the division KL Studio Classics are giving this film a long overdue Blu-ray release.

Widower Tommy Tyler (John Mills) is a surly sailor who have been both mother and father to his plucky daughter, Spring (Hayley Mills). But Tommy finds himself trying to balance his desire to find a sunken treasure and a beginning romance between his daughter and a newcomer William Ashton (James MacArthur). Than add in the fact that they must fight off Tommy's old rivals, who also want the treasure and you have the formula for adventure.

The story of The Truth about Spring is a low key Caribbean adventure. Maybe not as good as some other adventure films, but it is not without it's charm. I personally was entertained clear to the end with the film, even though critics and even John Mills himself didn't like the finished film.

John and Haley Mills are spectacular in their roles. But the whole cast is pretty good. I must say it is so cool to see James MacArthur just a few years before he would forever be known as Danno in the classic tv show Hawaii Five-O. Also screen legend Lionel Jefferies (The Railway Children) and David Tomlinson just a year after he was in Mary Poppins.

The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The picture is sharp, and the colors are simply mind blowing. The flesh tones are perfect! The audio mix is great featuring a beautiful score by Robert Farnon. There is no problems with hiss or pops. This film on Blu-ray is a true pleasure to watch. 

Now in addition to a simply beautiful looking Blu-ray transfer of this Mills family adventure. Kino Lorber added some cool bonus features as well. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio Commentary by film historian Gary Gerani. 

* Theatrical Trailer (remastered in 2K)

* Additional Trailers: The Chalk Garden, Endless Night, Gambit, The Pink Jungle, What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?, Fitzwilly and The Secret War of Harry Frigg.

I have always enjoyed watching Hayley Mills films. Whether it was The Parent Trap, Pollyanna, That Darn Cat, In Search of Castaways or even later in the tv series Good Morning, Miss Bliss and this one is no different! And to see it now on Blu-ray thanks to Kino Lorber is truly a pleasure. 

So if you are looking for an adventure romance film the may remind you a bit of Hayley Mills' film The Moon Spinners, you may what to give The Truth about Spring a chance. Who knows it may turn out to be one of your favorite new adventures. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today. 

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) KL Studio Classics Blu-ray of The Truth About Spring receives....