PETER PAN (1976) – This Hallmark/ ITV joint venture is not as good as the Mary Martin or Sandy Duncan versions or the original Disney animated movie, but its obscurity made it a “must review” item for Balladeer’s Blog. Dwight Hemion directed this telefilm with Andrew Birkin and American comedian Jack Burns (of Burns and Schreiber fame) adapting the screenplay.
The fourteen new songs for this Peter Pan were written and composed by Leslie Bricusse of Scrooge, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and so many other musicals. Anthony Newley, Bricusse’s long time musical partner, worked with him on this project as well.
MIA FARROW, in her Rosemary’s Baby hairdo, portrays the title character with an accent on the little boy aspect of “the boy who wouldn’t grow up”. It’s interesting to watch her depict Peter’s cockiness as more like bravado to cover up how frightened he is. Not brilliant, but interesting. Her singing is okay.
DANNY KAYE gets to play Captain Hook and Mr. Darling after a previous film project with him in those roles fell through years earlier. The veteran Kaye steals the show in his usual comedic and boisterous fashion, making his Captain Hook my personal favorite from all of the versions of Peter Pan. Continue reading
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