The Hideaways

Also known as From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, this children's film based on the novel by E. L. Konigsberg is rough going for children and adults alike. Sally Prager and Johnny Doran star as Claudia and Jamie, a suburban brother and sister, who run away to New York, and hide out for a week in the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. When Claudia sees a sculpture of an angel, which may or may not be an original by Michelangelo, she becomes obsessed with proving that the work is indeed genuine. Her search leads her to Mrs. Frankweiler (Ingrid Bergman), who sold the piece to the museum for a paltry $250. Mrs. Frankweiler, a recluse, finally admits to Claudia that she has proof of the angel's authenticity, and asks her to keep the secret until her 21st birthday. The kids border on the obnoxious, the flute and snare drum soundtrack are gratingly dated, and the story, which moves along at a snail's pace, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Not recommended. (R. Pitman)