Based loosely on the legends and the poem by Robert Browning this film surprised me with its charm. Not many (any?) films these days have charm but this is definitely charming. There is the mainly rhyming dialogue, some of it very witty. There are the songs skilfully using music by Edvard Grieg with new lyrics. There are the performances. Van Johnson is compelling as the Piper and Claude Rains is amusing as the venal Mayor of Hamelin, singing about his 'prestige'. Kay Starr as a mother who has lost her child sings a lovely poignant song. Perhaps Jim Backus channels Mr. Magoo a bit too much though. It is filmed in bright colours like a story book.
In most versions of the original story the piper lures away the children and they never return but in this television movie the piper, for some reason, brings the children back. A happy end to an undemanding film. Charming, most charming.
In most versions of the original story the piper lures away the children and they never return but in this television movie the piper, for some reason, brings the children back. A happy end to an undemanding film. Charming, most charming.