Artistically, "Hans Christian Anderson" is wonderful to look at with beautifully designed sets and costumes and a sprightly score that uses his fairy-tales for inspiration. And there's no doubt that DANNY KAYE was highly suited to this kind of material with its major appeal for children.
But there are drawbacks--the biggest one being the length which drags in spots and is uneven throughout. The performances are fine and almost make you forget that the slow spots are there. FARLEY GRANGER is fine as the ballet director dealing with a temperamental ballet star JEANMAIRE. However, it doesn't help that the climactic LITTLE MERMAID ballet is dull and much too long.
The score saves the picture from being too sappy at times, with numbers like "Thumbalina," "The Ugly Duckling" and "Wonderful Copenhagen" that brighten the story with clever lyrics and sprightly tunes.
Kaye is less frenetic than usual as Hans and overall it's one of his best performances. Children should love it.
But there are drawbacks--the biggest one being the length which drags in spots and is uneven throughout. The performances are fine and almost make you forget that the slow spots are there. FARLEY GRANGER is fine as the ballet director dealing with a temperamental ballet star JEANMAIRE. However, it doesn't help that the climactic LITTLE MERMAID ballet is dull and much too long.
The score saves the picture from being too sappy at times, with numbers like "Thumbalina," "The Ugly Duckling" and "Wonderful Copenhagen" that brighten the story with clever lyrics and sprightly tunes.
Kaye is less frenetic than usual as Hans and overall it's one of his best performances. Children should love it.