Fantastic has several different definitions. This isn't the fantastic of an excellent job, or fantastik as a ads cleanser. Nor is this "The Fantastiks" of a musical that refuses to close for more than a few years at a time. Another definition of fantastic is strangely absurd, of which this is.Two rather strange cookies of a juvenile age decide to take an adventure to New York City where they camp out in the Metropolitan museum of art, sleeping on ancient beds and trying to solve the mystery of a new piece of art whom one of the adolescents believes to have been carved by Michelangelo. A mysterious recluse is their key to finding out the truth, which leads me to just one question, "Why?"This was a popular children's story written with the obvious intention of getting them interested in art. Certainly, the visuals of many of the actual exhibits are fascinating, most of them still there. Vintage shots of Manhattan are always a welcome sight. Ingrid Bergman, on the verge of winning a third Oscar, is headlined but is just a bit more than an extended cameo. She is obviously trying to emulate fellow Swede Greta Garbo with her mystery. Sally Prager and Johnny Doran are wacky kids, older sister and younger brother who somehow seem to get along with little annoyance. Madeline Kahn as a bit as a befuddled teacher in the museum with Georgeann Johnson and Richard Milligan as the children's parents. A card game between Doran and Bergman makes me think of how a remake with Shirley MacLaine would be, even though it's already been remade with Lauren Bacall. I don't think this was actually meant to be filmed, as this original version for the big screen quickly flopped and ended up being re-titled for home video. Slow moving in spots, it's one of those curious '70's flops that has an element of morbid curiosity.

Two children run away from home and stay at the New York museum. Sound unbelievable! Well, it happens in this film, "The Hideaways." Based on a children's book, the film centers its attention more on the older sister than the younger brother. I had never seen this before, but I feel like I would have loved it had I seen this when I was younger. But even as an adult now, I really like it a lot. The film may not seem like much, but we are completely immersed in their own little world as they discover art in the museum. The movie is so well written and made believable by the actors' credible acting. Then much of a to-do is made of a Madonna sculpture and who actually made it. They come to find out it was donated by a rich and eccentric lady. When the girl decides she has to know all about it, they find out where she lives and visit Mrs. Frankweiler, played by Ingrid Bergman. In one of her last films, Ms. Bergman is a delight as she toys with their curiosity and ultimately has a long talk with the girl about life and one's choices. I particularly enjoyed that; it was a very touching moment, maybe made even more poignant for those people who know of Ingrid Bergman's life and career. (She would live only another 7 years.) This is a very endearing, sweet film that children (and Ingrid Bergman fans) would love. I wish it were shown on television, so that today's younger generations could discover this great little film about growing up. Discover "The Hideaways," or "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" today.

I found this in the children's section of the public library and borrowed it expecting to hate it... I had loved the book as a child and was afraid the video version would be another hatchet job like Rosie O'Donnell's trashing of "Harriet the Spy". This is actually pretty good. I see it's labeled "home version", and I don't know what that means, except that I sure didn't see Richard Mulligan in it as the father, so I suspect it might be rather heavily edited. Part of the charm of the book that is unable to make it to the screen is the interior thought processes of Claudia, her interpretations and feelings of her experience in the museum. We can see it on the screen, but we don't really feel it along with Claudia (and Jamie). The movie does try, but it doesn't always succeed. Having said that, it also doesn't insert things that don't belong there, or take away important points that DO belong there, for which I'm very grateful. It remains true to the period. The casting is quite good; both kids were believable in their roles. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised and might watch it a second time... and I don't even have kids! But for those who do, the book is still your best bet... overall, it does a better job bringing the whole enjoyable story to life.

I adore this book - I read it as a child and now teach it as a teacher! This Claudia is great, mouthy and awkward but sensitive and determined.SPOILER: My biggest problem is the final lesson that Mrs. Frankenweiler teaches Claudia - the goo about her only sadness being that she couldn't have a child. Where did THAT come from? Why must that foolishness be added to this wonderful story about adventure and choosing individuality? It is like she is saying, "Claudia - it is great to be curious and adventurous but don't forget to have kids because that is the only thing that really matters in the end." She's 12!! My students are totally turned off by that and view Mrs. F in a whole different (distant and not connected to their lives) sort of way. It sacrifices the chance for them to relate to an older person as "cool" and interesting. Too bad.I haven't had a chance to the see remake but I hope the Lauren Becall wouldn't stand for such sentimental claptrap. (Mind you - with the remake out of print and the only copies I can find costing more than $200 - I don't think I'll be seeing it anytime soon!) By the way, if anyone would like an educational consultant for a new remake - I'm your girl! :) Alice Sensei in Japan