Escapade in Florence is a two-part episode of the Disneyland television show which was released theatrically in some countries. Walt Disney described it as a "two-part teenage comedy adventure" which was "international in flavor".[1] The show first aired on September 30 and October 7, 1962, and was repeated in June 1963 and June 1969.[2]
Escapade in Florence | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Directed by | Steve Previn |
Written by | Maurice Tombragel Bob Wehling |
Based on | the 1957 novel The Golden Doors by Edward Fenton |
Produced by | Bill Anderson |
Starring | Tommy Kirk Annette Funicello Nino Castelnuovo Clelia Matania Venantino Venantini Ivan Desny |
Cinematography | Kurt Grigoleit |
Music by | Buddy Baker |
Production company | Walt Disney Studios |
Distributed by | Buena Vista |
Release date |
|
Running time | 81 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Mystery and suspense follow Annette Funicello and Tommy Kirk as they play students studying in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. As the two find romance among the city's magnificent art and architecture, they discover that her paintings are at the center of an elaborate art forgery ring involving Florence's most treasured masterpieces. Danger soon finds them when they uncover the mastermind behind the plot and they're thrown into an ancient dungeon. It's now up to Annette to save the day, but will help arrive in time?
The film was based on a book by Edward Fenton called The Golden Doors which was published in July 1957.[3] Disney bought the rights in December 1957.[4]
In May 1959 Winston Miller was writing a script for producer William Anderson.[5]
It was shot on location in Florence, Italy. Shooting finished in May 1962.[6] Funicello wrote that Italy was her favourite location ever .[7]
The Monthly Film Bulletin called it "an almost perfect example of its genre - straightforward story, likeable young protagonists, some good rough and tumble with the hero's skill in jiu jitsu coming in useful, pleasant songs, a general happy atmosphere, and a strong location background."[8]
Diabolique said it "very much puts Kirk front and center, and he is charming as an American abroad getting into hijinks with art thieves."[9]
The film was released in September 2013 on DVD via the Disney Movie Club Exclusives.[10][11]
![]() | This Disney-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
![]() | This article about a United States television episode is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |