Peter Pan

A variation on the same stage-bound television performance first done by Mary Martin 26 years earlier. It was presented as a HALLMARK HALL OF FAME TV special (apparently with new songs), but never really caught on with viewers or Nielsens. In the continuing tradition of women in the Pan role, Mia Farrow does a perfectly capable job (sporting the boyish, Twiggy hair cut at the time). Danny Kaye was also fine as Captain Hook. But the real surprise was the casting of Paula Kelly- a striking, long-legged African-American dancer- as Tiger Lily. Her memorable entrance in the show is in a scantily-clad costume of loincloths (with an equally scantily clad male chorus) and was probably sexier than absolutely necessary- but I supremely didn't care.

I have not seen this movie (and its not without trying constantly!) for about 25 years. I used to love watching this every single year on the TV and basically would do /pay almost anything to retain a copy, remembering I live in Australia and the American VHS format does not work over here. If anybody out there can help me with where I may be able to find this, preferably in DVD then please let me know. Cheers.

This TV-movie deserved the Emmy + 1 other award it received. It is a timeless classic and personally the best version of the many that have been made of 'The boy that would not grow up'. All the cast are fantastic and the special effects inclusive of 'non real'/puppet of 'Nanna' the dog are spectacular for the time it was made. The songs are fantastically written and performed , in particular "Who needs a mother" and the demise of Danny Kaye's Hook was superb and better than any 'panto'. If there is anyone out there that can help me out, please do so ASAP.

Thanks.

Deano.

I like the bit where they punched a hole in the top hat to make a chimney. They did the same gag in Mary Poppins but that was for malicious purposes. At least this time it had practical applications.

I grew up with this movie. Some of the happiest times I remember on hols at my grandparents after a fay at the beach and watch this before bed. A wonderful adaptation of a wonderful story

This TV movie of "Peter Pan" as a musical should also be listed as a comedy. It's a very good Hallmark production that stars Mia Farrow as Peter, Danny Kay as the father, George Darling, and as Captain Hook, and Briony McRoberts as Wendy as the girl. The rest of the cast are very good as well. Besides the musical aspects of this fable rendition, it's obvious that the producers and writers intended it to have a definite comical edge. And, with Danny Kaye in the role as Captain Hook, they could be assured of getting that. I couldn't help but wonder if a couple of instances weren't ad libs by Kaye and they liked them so much that they kept them in.

I've seen videos and DVDs made from TV airing of made-for TV movies, and that's what I watched of this production. While the commercials are cut out, the quality is still quite choppy and rough. This is a movie that I think is good enough to be produced on DVD. The scenes with the children and Peter flying around the room are so well done, with no apparent use of wires or anything. The tricks of the trade in filming those scenes make them appear real and natural.

The main characters of J. M. Barrie's fable are here, and Nana, the nurse for the Darling children in a big furry dog (played by Peter O'Farrell). One of the songs that Kaye's Captain Hook sings is about his place in the Villain's Hall of Fame. This is worth seeing if it should ever be broadcast again on TV, or from a DVD. Here are some sample lines from this film.

Mr. Darling, "You know, Mary, I sometimes question the wisdom of engaging a dog for a nurse."

Captain Hook, "Infamy, infamy, everybody's got it inn for me."

Captain Hook, "By the way, Smee, what is a lubber?" Smee (played by Tony Sympson), Oh, it's sea talk, sir." Hook, "I know that - I'm not a fool."