one of the first versions of this in film that i know of. and still magical and charming to this day. i own this on DVD. it's a must own for any fan of Barrie's children's classic and for anyone who loves silent movies. i love both.
this film is funny and amusing both intentionally and, often, unintentionally. many of the effects are impressive even by todays standards. illusions, like the close ups of the fairy Tinkerbell, are sort of breath-taking. other effects like people in furry animal suits and clumsy mermaid tales seeming tortured and uncomfortable, are pretty funny. that isn't to say that circus clown George Ali wasn't freaky running around on all fours in a big, gluey, hot, furry dog suit. i've never seen anyone on all fours move and jump around like that. kinda freaky, but i was definitely impressed.
todays audience are bound to crack a few snide jokes about the numerous scenes of actress Betty Bronson as Peter, kissing and snuggling the other female performers. i know on stage that Peter is traditionally played by a woman, but these scenes do make you smirk a little and think, "lez be gay".
it's also fun to get a chance to view the legendary, but seldom known these days, Ana may Wong as Tiger Lilly.
the only real problem with this delightful classic is the Americanization of it. jeez. i thought Disney Americanized this material but this film actually changes the country from England to the United States. no offense to America, but this is a English story and to Americanize it and have the children sing "my country 'tis a thee..", is all wrong for the English 'Peter Pan'.
still, this is a wonderful adaptation and even for a silent movie, amusingly quaint. it might seem too outdated for the average kid these days, but who wants to be average anyway. there's plenty here for any adult viewer who is sentimental and nostalgic about Barrie's 'Peter Pan' and loves old, archival cinema. Merry Christmas 12/14/10.
this film is funny and amusing both intentionally and, often, unintentionally. many of the effects are impressive even by todays standards. illusions, like the close ups of the fairy Tinkerbell, are sort of breath-taking. other effects like people in furry animal suits and clumsy mermaid tales seeming tortured and uncomfortable, are pretty funny. that isn't to say that circus clown George Ali wasn't freaky running around on all fours in a big, gluey, hot, furry dog suit. i've never seen anyone on all fours move and jump around like that. kinda freaky, but i was definitely impressed.
todays audience are bound to crack a few snide jokes about the numerous scenes of actress Betty Bronson as Peter, kissing and snuggling the other female performers. i know on stage that Peter is traditionally played by a woman, but these scenes do make you smirk a little and think, "lez be gay".
it's also fun to get a chance to view the legendary, but seldom known these days, Ana may Wong as Tiger Lilly.
the only real problem with this delightful classic is the Americanization of it. jeez. i thought Disney Americanized this material but this film actually changes the country from England to the United States. no offense to America, but this is a English story and to Americanize it and have the children sing "my country 'tis a thee..", is all wrong for the English 'Peter Pan'.
still, this is a wonderful adaptation and even for a silent movie, amusingly quaint. it might seem too outdated for the average kid these days, but who wants to be average anyway. there's plenty here for any adult viewer who is sentimental and nostalgic about Barrie's 'Peter Pan' and loves old, archival cinema. Merry Christmas 12/14/10.