Peter Pan
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Cyril Ritchard, Margalo Gillmore, Mary Martin, Maureen Bailey, Sondra LeeDVD: Region Code 0
Audio: Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release Date: 1999-10-19
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: GoodTimes
Movie Reviews of Peter Pan
Movie Review: Mary Martin's Peter Pan
Summary: 5 Stars
Musical comedy star Mary Martin may have not been as well-known to many of us if she hadn't appeared in a television version of the famous "Peter Pan" story on March 7, 1955. After achieving great success on Broadway, and limited success in Hollywood (in generally disappointing film roles), Martin joined Australian actor Cyril Ritchard in an outstanding adaptation of Sir James Barrie's classic tale of boys who would not grow up.
All of the elements of the story were incorporated in the NBC compatible color telecast, including the use of a woman in playing Peter Pan. Mary Martin was slender and cut her hair short; with the use of make-up, she was able to achieve the effect of portraying an adolescent boy who refuses to grow up. Peter lives on an uncharted island with other boys who don't want to become adults.
One of the amazing things about Peter, however, is that he has the ability to fly. (The effect was done through the use of special wires.) During one of his nighttime flights, he spies on a family in London and, eventually, persuades the children to come to his island. This includes the daughter, Wendy, who becomes a virtual mother to the boys. Soon, however, they are battling pirates and Indians. Peter Pan has considerable imagination in dealing with the threats, but there are numerous dangers, particularly from the pirates led by the notorious Captain Hook (wonderfully portrayed by Cyril Ritchard, who also plays the father of the English children).
Interwoven into this delightful adaptation are some memorable songs that became extremely popular. The original live telecast was so popular that NBC telecast it again in compatible color on January 9, 1956. Unfortunately, videotape was still being perfected and neither telecasts were taped. Eventually, as videotape became more practical, NBC was able to reunite Martin and Ritchard for a color taping of the musical in 1960.
Typical of early color telecasts, the color range is more limited than today's color, but it is still quite impressive and one can enjoy the fine performances by Martin and Ritchard and the top-notch supporting cast. Yes, the sets are somewhat limited compared to today's television productions, but that is not a big factor in enjoying this production.
It is wonderful that NBC was able to preserve one of the more enjoyable television productions from the "golden age" of early television. This is a story, too, that can appeal to both children and adults and is a reminder of a more innocent time when spectacular effects, sex, and violence were not as important (or even allowed).
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