I too have recently watched The Apple Dumpling gang.
Not for nostalgia, but because I knew that my eight year old could watch it, and i didnt have to worry about gay bashing, or jokes about male body parts, etc.
Because I knew people got hit with things, and older people were being dumb. He loves that.
But I will refrain from my dissertation. I will instead address Witch Mountain.
But before I do, let me say that I agree with many of your statements.
I know TZ when I see three seconds of it. Though I am the person who would know the episode number as well. But the same can be said for TZ, MASH, Beverly Hillbilies... They each have their style.
You can pretty typically know a Disney live action film in a beat or three. My personal faves are Pollyanna, and Summer Magic.
Anyway... I hold a very dear spot for the Witch Mountain movies. I wanted to be one of the other children. I wanted powers like Tia. I wanted her purse.
But when I watch them now....
What the heck was Betty Davis thinking??? Who talked her into that role??
And Christopher Lee.... luckily he pulled back out into other movies.
I Love Witch Mountain. But it does not stand the test of time.
I feel however that Pollyana does. Although now it plays as a period piece. I never saw it that way as a child.
I guess because when I was a child you could get a doll from a fishing game.
I lost track of my train.... catch it again later.