Though I have not seen the 1953 adaptation of J.M. Barrie's fantastical creation in quite some time, "Peter Pan" that is, this 1924 version that was thought to be lost for years can stand on its own two flying feet as a lively, sometimes astonishing version with moments that soar and rekindle the innocence of being a child.At first, I was a little thrown off course by "Peter Pan." In the opening sequence, we see someone obviously dressed as an oversized sheep dog giving a bath to the Darling children in the house (the dog is played by George Ali). The other kids, including the older Wendy (Mary Brian), are genuinely turned off by this dog who looks like a nightmarish canine with immobile scary eyes. Nevertheless, we do get to the good stuff when we meet the flying Peter Pan (played by a 17-year-old girl named Betty Bronson) who is trying to find his shadow. Wendy helps him stitch his shadow back on and accompanies him along with the two other Darling boys to Never Never Land. Yep, the land of high adventure that features nasty pirates, the dastardly Captain Hook, alligators, a Native American tribe (yes, the Redskins - don't forget this was 1924), mermaids on the beach, fairies and of course the one and only Tinkerbell who looks just like a firefly. She bares some jealousy towards Wendy and her interest in kissing Peter. Peter of course discovers kissing has more to do than sharing a thimble and shows his love by building Wendy a house complete with a chimney created from a hat (!), with the hopes that she will be mother to him and the Lost Boys. Wendy has a more romantic inclination in mind with the naive Peter.
For a silent film of that era (and there were many magical films during this period, the favorite fantasy of mine was "The Thief Of Bagdad" with Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.), "Peter Pan" is slow-going at first but it builds into a wondrous, marvelous film full of astonishing flying scenes (not sure how they did it) and an essential childlike sense of innocence - you kind of want to be a boy forever after meeting this joyful Pan. It is Betty Bronson who gives the most animated performance of the whole cast - the exuberance is felt every time she appears on screen. She stands proud when she has to, fights like a true swordsman, has poise and remarkable chemistry with Mary's Wendy. She encompasses everything we love about Peter Pan. "Peter Pan" is a treat for all ages.
No comments:
Post a Comment