Adaptation of E.L. Konigsberg's novel about bookish femme teenager and her younger brother running away from home to live in New York City's Metropolitan Museum. Unusual, wordy, but just slightly artificial adventure, featuring juvenile actors who aren't fully alert and a large majority of adult characters who are written as buffoons (the kids' father scolds the girl for reading "King Arthur", citing psychological reasons!). Film is ultimately saved by Ingrid Bergman in a wonderful supporting performance as a wealthy recluse who crosses paths with the youngsters. Low-budget picture does have a fast pace and is fairly inventive. It could've used a better title, however (overseas it was dubbed "The Hideaways"). **1/2 from ****

I loved E. L. Konigsberg's book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It is one of a few books that I remember fairly vividly from childhood, and I recently read it with my son, so we decided to watch this movie. I liked the movie, and thought that the children and Ingrid Bergman all gave fine performances. However, the movie differs from the book on minor details that I could see no rationale for changing (saying that Mrs. BEF lived in New Jersey, rather than Connecticut, for example). Mainly, though, I was very disappointed in the way the story ends in the movie in comparison to the book. In the book, Mrs. BEF gives the children a time limit and lets them figure out the answer to the mystery themselves. But in the movie, Mrs. BEF leaves Jamie playing cards with her butler, while she takes Claudia to another part of the house, where Mrs. BEF essentially solves the mystery for Claudia. I would still recommend the movie, but it's not nearly as good as the book.

Loved the book and have watched the film every time I've noticed it on TV so, unlike many book-to-film adaptations, it didn't irritate me.Not a bad little adaptation of an enjoyable children's book, though not the film to go for if you're expecting complex plot or heart-stopping excitement.For those who don't mind spoilers, it is the story of a sister and brother who run away from home and end up living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (yes, it's improbable, but none the less enchanting and enjoyable). They remain there until the girl discovers, or thinks she has discovered, proof that one of the pieces in the museum is by a great artist and sets out to meet and consult the woman who donated the piece, Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler (Ingrid Bergman).

I found Sally Prager's portrayal of Claudia delightful. The character is intelligent, curious, full of wonder, and caring toward her younger brother. Her independence and courage are admirable. I sympathized completely with "Mrs. Frankweiler's" attraction to this spunky young girl. Ingrid Bergman's appearance toward the end of this movie elevates the film to a new level; as ever, her acting is superb.