Mystery in Dracula's Castle

I remember seeing this one often on abc, sunday night right after "wild kingdom" pn the wonderful world of disney. They did quite a few of these types of films, presumably because the budget was lower than a feature film. They were also a little lost for a few years after walt died.

This one is also noteable because it features johnny whittaker and scott kolden, who would go on to be brothers in "sigmund and the sea monsters" on saturday mornings during this same year. Anyway, the plot inviolves a couple of brothers making a scary film during summer vacation who stumble onto a jewel heist in an old lighthouse. Ridiculously stupid criminals and not a swear word to be found.

The story opens as school is getting out. Mom, a writer, loads up her two boys and her trusty typewriter, to head out to a quaint seaside location somewhere in Northern California. Harking back to a simpler time, the three live in a bungalow, mere feet from a beautiful harbor. This well-worn set-up has stayed with me for life, bestowing upon me the association of summer and adventure. Jewel thieves use an old lighthouse to store their booty, and amateur film makers, brothers, use the same lighthouse to make Dracula's castle. The story is very Willy Folk St. John. It's simple storytelling narrative was perfect for 1973, and the cast is filled with fresh, all-American faces. So Disney....

Thank you Uncle Walt