The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957 TV Movie) User Reviews

Vastly Misunderstood

[aequitasveritas311 · 6/10 · 28 May 2005]

For a movie made for television in the 1957, I would say that it is VERY well done, considering what they had to work with at the time. I will admit, being a musician myself, that the usage of harp during the "Hall of the Mountain King," which was used for the luring of the rats, was a bit over the top. But considering the poor quality of most modern made-for-TV movies, it was very good for the standards of the day. To say that Claude Rains was ever a bad actor, in my opinion, is a disgrace to the man's memory and his legacy as an actor. Also, to say that the acting in the film was bad compared to anything we have now would be like comparing the acting style of, say, Humphrey Bogart to that of Colin Firth. It is like two completely different worlds. For anyone at that point in time to get the emotion of a scene, it mostly had to be overdone. But, that gets into the psychology of film-making, and there just isn't time for that in this post. One other thing that a lot of people who have seen this film and dislike it for its musical numbers is that it IS a children's film, and that children like songs that border on the absurd. The film keeps to the child-like aspect of the Pied Piper story, and takes away some of the original tale's darker elements, such as the children not coming back. In the film, the children come back when the town's parents realize the error of their ways. But, as the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin was originally a sort of fable for those with vast amounts of avarice, and a warning to children not to become such people, the original story had the children live in a land of plenty where they could frolic well away from the greed of their parents. And their parents paid the price for their greed. One last thing: the film, because it was intended for children, is meant to be FUN!! It gives lots of music, allows the children to see suspense that they can understand (most times it has to be very obvious for younger audiences), and teaches a lesson through repetition of the ultimate maxim of the film--All that glitters is not gold.

I submit that this film, while not in line for any hall of fame, stands on its own two feet for what it was in its time: a simple example of a musical made for television and an audience composed of young children. But most of all, it is entertaining. And in the end, that is what really matters.

By the way, this was a favorite film of mine as a child.

That is my rant for the day.

Color--Yes, Technicolor TV in 1957!

[curtis-8 · 5/10 · 26 November 2005]

I just wanted to correct the last reviewer. There were indeed color Televisions in 1957. In fact RCA introduced color TVs for the home in 1954. This TV movie was filmed in Technicolor and shown originally on NBC, a network that pioneered color (remember the Peacock?). It was made with every intent of its being seen in COLOR. Though I'm sure the producers wanted it to look good in b&w as well, it was a color film. And the colors in The Pied Piper '57 are no more garish than many other lesser-known Technicolor "extravaganzas." If producers back in those days were gonna pay for color, we by gum they was gonna use the hell out of it! Anyway, this is one weird ass film! Catch this and the Wizard of Oz double feature from Something Weird, and you've got some goooood Kid movie watchin'!

A decent early TV musical of an old fairy tale poem

[SimonJack · 7/10 · 25 March 2019]

"The Pied Piper of Hamlin" was one of the earliest musicals made for TV. It was a big success for NBC when broadcast over the Thanksgiving weekend in 1957. It became a TV holiday favorite after that for several years. No doubt, the film was much more highly regarded in its day than in modern times. Yet, it remains a good production, an interesting version of a famous tale and a fair musical.

This film is unusual in a number of ways. First, it's a film based on an ancient legend that became most famous with an 1842 poem of the same title, by Robert Browning. Second, its screenplay uses dialog of rhyme along the lines of that written by Browning in his poem. Third, it has a cast with some prominent actors of the day, most of whom had not made a musical before or who were little known for singing. For these reasons alone, this film has some historical significance.

The film would probably be better known and highly regarded in the 21st century if there had been prominent singing actors in the lead roles. And, the musical score, while fairly good, could have been much better. As it is, most of the songs are in a general range of the speaking voice set to music. They do have melody - more than the spoken range set to music that was Rex Harrison's singing in "My Fair Lady."

Still, it's back to the unusual that adds some value to the film. Van Johnson has the double lead of playing the Pied Piper and Truson. Johnson got his stage start with musicals, and has a good voice. This is his only film in which he has a solidly singling role. And he carries half of the film himself. Claude Rains is superb in the role of the Mayor of Hamelin, and shows that he could at least belt out a tune in harmony. This is the only musical of any sort that Rains ever made. One can only imagine that it was the idea of the type of production and the character he could play that appealed to Rains. This very gifted actor received four Academy Award nominations but never won an Oscar.

Jim Backus is the King's Emissary, and this is the only role I can think of in which his part resembled singing. Lori Nelson as Mara, and Kay Starr as John's Mother, carry the female portions of song. Stanley Adams and Doodles Weaver add some comedy to the story in their silly antics as counselors to the mayor.

With its color and colorful presentation, I think this film would still be of interest to children in modern times. And, the moral of the story should still ring true to we older children as to the young audience.

Here are some favorite lines from the film. For more dialog, see the Quotes section under this IMDb Web page of the film.

Pied Piper, "A man can strive for riches, a natural desire; but he mustn't overlook a greater goal. Or what will he profit by something he'll acquire, if in finding what he gains he lose his soul?"

Pied Piper, "A man who's unwise only sees things with his eyes."

Mayor of Hamelin, "Stop squealing and squeaking as though you were rats. Remember that you're bureaucrats."

Nothing Went Wrong...

[NY Whovian · 12 October 2003]

You can't judge a 1957 TV special by 21st century standards. I saw and loved this when it was first shown, and still love it today, as does my son. Yes, there are slow points, but you've got to remember that this is family fare, so there was a love story to interest the parents along with the magical story to entertain the kiddies. Yes, some of the lyrics could be better, but do we really know what time constraints may have been dogging the creators? I have no problem with Kay Starr's song lamenting the disappearance of her son; it's set to 'Asa's Death' from 'Peer Gynt', so the melody is most appropriate. Maybe the colors are garish; as has been pointed out, that was to make the grey-scale diverse enough to have distinct shades.

Like so many dramatic actors, Claude Rains surprised audiences who never realized he had such a good singing voice. In addition, Doodles Weaver (of Spike Jones fame) and Stanley Adams (Cyrano Jones in 'The Trouble with Tribbles') play off each other beautifully. Van Johnson does a lovely job in his dual roles as Truson and the Piper. My favorite moments are the opening, with the Piper slithering down the tree like a snake, and the song 'Prestige' - 'Prestige is the dinner they give you for fun, which they wouldn't have done when you really needed one.' Very clever lyric, that.

Yes, the screenwriters added a happy ending. This was, after all, a family show. Besides, it nicely pointed up the moral and showed that people can repent of poor behavior and become better people.

Oh, Those Clever Townspeople of Hamelin

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 6 June 2007]

Seeing this film after almost 50 years I do have to confess I was slightly disappointed. Not with the cast because players like Van Johnson and Claude Rains always do their best, but the story did deserve a better treatment. Maybe it should have been done on the big screen.

Bing Crosby with High Tor and Frank Sinatra in Our Town did much better than this original musical for the small screen. Both of them in their TV musicals had a much better score. Edvard Grieg had already had his music adapted in Song of Norway including some of the material here and it was done a lot better by Bobert Wright and Chet Forrest there.

It's all based on the poem by Robert Browning about the townspeople of Hamelin who hire an enchanted pied piper to drive the rats out of their town. Back in the day that was a given, so the rodent population in Hamelin must have really been bad. They stiff the piper, but he gets his revenge by having the town's children follow him out of town and vanish into a mountain.

Van Johnson has a dual role as both the piper and as Rains's prospective son-in-law who warns him about messing around with somebody that has magical powers. It does give him a chance to flex his musical muscles. Johnson started on Broadway in musicals and MGM didn't use him often enough in that vein. Kay Starr who was real popular back in the day had a role as one of the mothers of a missing child.

I liked it then, back on the small screen in black and white. Pity it didn't have a better score though.

"Unroll the scroll!"

[hwg1957-102-265704 · 6/10 · 5 July 2020]

Based loosely on the legends and the poem by Robert Browning this film surprised me with its charm. Not many (any?) films these days have charm but this is definitely charming. There is the mainly rhyming dialogue, some of it very witty. There are the songs skilfully using music by Edvard Grieg with new lyrics. There are the performances. Van Johnson is compelling as the Piper and Claude Rains is amusing as the venal Mayor of Hamelin, singing about his 'prestige'. Kay Starr as a mother who has lost her child sings a lovely poignant song. Perhaps Jim Backus channels Mr. Magoo a bit too much though. It is filmed in bright colours like a story book.

In most versions of the original story the piper lures away the children and they never return but in this television movie the piper, for some reason, brings the children back. A happy end to an undemanding film. Charming, most charming.

Thought maybe I dreamt it

[beresfordjd · 5/10 · 25 August 2008]

I thought perhaps I had dreamt seeing this movie as a child. I actually saw it at the cinema and it impressed me so much as a child of about 9. It turned me on to Griegs music actually-always remembered the tunes. Never thought I would ever see this again as I could never find anyone else that remembered it. Saw it again today on Sky TV. It certainly does not impress me now-though it is a lavish production given it was for 50's TV. Its a piece of fluffy kitsch. I am at loss to see why I loved it so then. Van Johnson was never a great favourite of mine but Claude Rains is great in it. The version I have just watched on TV was a little rough-a few jumps in the soundtrack and film but it is 50 years old!!

Don't expect more than it is

[smwindsor · 6/10 · 21 February 2005]

Overall it's a fun children's flick. The music is good, the lyrics a bit desirous, but for kids - they're fine. It's more of a cartoon-like presentation with live actors. And hey, if you like Van Johnson, you don't need anything more! He's good, but is he ever bad? Just don't expect more than is really there. It's not a modern production and it is geared toward children more-so than adults, though adults can enjoy it too if they don't try to take it too seriously.

The only real negative I have is that it is a bit long for kids. The story drags a bit in the middle. The beginning is fun, the ending is okay, but there is a lull in the middle that makes it a little tough for a child's attention span.

Dull kiddie fare

[JohnSeal · 4/10 · 1 June 2002]

I don't object to musicals per se, but you need good songs and this bare bones version of The Pied Piper ain't got 'em. The use of Grieg's music is fine, but the original songs---and the lyrics occasionally put to Grieg's music---are awful. The shoestring budget shines through, as we don't see any rats other than in shadows and during the rather poorly animated 'exodus' scene. And the cast can't even decide how to pronounce the name of their unfortunate sister city---what starts out as 'Hamelot' becomes 'HameLOUT' by the time Claude Rains is through with it. It makes perfect sense that schlockmeister K. Gordon Murray picked this up for theatrical distribution, as the production values and sloppy sentiment are right in line with his other kiddie matinee fare like Santa Claus and Puss N Boots (the Mexican versions, of course). My seven year old was bored with it and even though I enjoyed Jim Backus and Rains (up to a point) I can't recommend this to anyone other than hardcore Van Johnson fans.

Rats!

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 7 September 2012]

The ancient European village of Hamelin is plagued by a sudden onslaught of rats. Coincidently, a magical flutist known as "The Pied Piper" appears. He promises to cure Hamelin's rodent problem, for 50,000 guilders. The fee is steep, but the Mayor of Hamelin agrees. After the rats are banished, the Mayor renegades on the deal and the Piper enacts a horrible revenge...

This children's classic, with very grim undertones, is given a happier telling in this early NBC Technicolor TV-Movie. Van Johnson plays both the Piper and his look-alike, a noble Hamelin schoolteacher (Truson). Moreover, he is involved in a romance with Mayor's daughter Lori Nelson (as Mara). The roles played by Claude Rains and Jim Backus could have been combined, but the introduction of a nice teacher who looks like the Piper adds an interesting "Jekyll/Hyde" element to a story already rife with subtext. Also featured are Rene Kroper as the crippled boy and popular singer Kay Starr, who is obviously the soundtrack highlight. Too bad this story wasn't re-made with Michael Jackson.

****** The Pied Piper of Hamelin (11/26/57) Bretaigne Windust ~ Van Johnson, Claude Rains, Lori Nelson, Jim Backus

This is pretty messed up right here...

[culwin · 4/10 · 18 September 2001]

Wow. Why do so many "children's" movies from this time period contain bright, clashing colors? It looks like the set designer and the wardrobe director were on LSD or something. The constant rhyming gets reallly old after about 2 minutes. And even worse, why do they always put these long, slow, love ballads in movies for KIDS?? Half of it is filled with singing & dancing numbers. Who was their intended audience with this?? Anyhow this movie was very boring, and gushing with sweetness in the same way that saccharine is sweet - fake and distasteful. And did this fairy tale really warrant a 90 minute film??

Excellent!

[equipage · 10/10 · 13 July 2003]

You know, I was a child when this came out. It was both dark and enchanting at the same time, and speaking of time it was quite a good production for 1957. I am tired of all the over-reviewing done to movies at this site and movies being picked to death. This provided wonderful entertainment on the early TV medium and I for one am glad to own a copy of this for my niece and nephews, who love it TODAY!

Agreeable Technicolor Trifle with a Game Cast

[richardchatten · 6/10 · 27 November 2017]

Despite the obvious limitations of a 50's TV production shot on a very cramped little soundstage, a game cast gets into the spirit of the thing with the assistance of smooth direction by Bretaigne Windust and sets by Arthur Lonergan that combine with Techicolor veteran William Snyder's photography to make the film feel like a live-action cartoon (complete with an enjoyable cameo by Mr. Magoo himself, Jim Backus).

The lyrics set throughout to Grieg by Irving Taylor and Hal Stanley in truth aren't really up to much, but one applauds the attempt; ditto the rhyming dialogue, the highlight of which is Backus's boast "I once wrote a directory on missiles and their trajectory. I blew up a fortress, killed a hundred and four. I'd have won a medal, but we weren't at war...!"

As the cheerfully crooked Mayor Claude Rains hams it up in a reprise of his performance as Prince John in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood', and even sings and dances (mercifully briefly), while Special Guest Star Kay Starr has a moving number mourning in song the loss of her son.

too sugary sweet

[jfarms1956 · 2/10 · 9 November 2013]

This movie is more appropriate for children under twelve and older than six. Real young children might have problems with all the rhyming verse and the vocabulary used in the movie. The movie is syrupy sweet. The rhyming verses within the dialogue are initially charming. However, after a while (a very short while), all this rhyming gets a bit tedious. The vocabulary chosen in these verses might be more appropriate to children closer to 8 or 10. Yet, it is possible that the younger children will get the gist of what is being said. I did not realize that this movie would be a musical as well. If they could cut out some, not all, of the songs, then I could have watched it longer. I had to skip through the sugary sweet songs since I could skip through the witty dialogue. This movie will not hold the attention of younger children although it is definitely a G rated movie. With the young children, parents might want to reassure their children that they will not get taken. This is the only scary situation in the movie. Definitely a fairy tale. Enjoy!

I enjoyed this film very much

[craig-109 · 26 November 2001]

I saw this film several times on TV as a kid in the 60's. I enjoyed in thoroughly. Jim Backus's hamming is delightful. The music was borrowed wholly from Peer Gynt by Grieg -- from Morning Mood to Hall of the Mountain King.

Another reviewer comments on the colors (in a rather unsympathetic and grinch-like manner ). You must remember -- THERE WERE NO COLOR TVs IN 1957! Anyone with any knowledge of media knows that! They only existed in factories and a few individuals. They did not hit the market until 1958, and they were not in major use until after 1962 - at least among the people in my neighborhood. Anyway, the colors used had to make appealing greys when viewed in black & white. Hence, you will get some pretty odd colors. The use of such garish colors probably contributed to the development of Op-Art and Psychedelic art in the 60's. However, I digress, anyone who lets technical details get in the way of enjoying a child-like bit of fluff, especially one made on a small budget for TV, should stay up on his mountain, and never be let into who-ville.

Also, the pace of the film has been criticized. Well, the pace editing in films has sped up in the last few decades (look at Ridley Scott's work --- sheesh, you need seatbelts in the theatre!) You must let yourself go with the flow and the speed of the film. Let yourself be taken by the music and the performances. Basically, if you liked Brigadoon, then you should like this.

My recommendation -- if you are a child at heart, and want a delightful heartwarming film, filled with great music, seeing great performers enjoying themselves, then watch this film. Otherwise, go rent "The Sorrow and The Pity".

"Modesty forbids another hero of this occasion/Whose wit and wisdom ended the invasion!"

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 19 April 2009]

Musical television special brimming with good cheer. The small hamlet of Hamelin, where the townspeople are kept working all day under the thumb of their greedy, selfish mayor, are delighted when a magical piper rids their streets of vermin; but, when the mayor reneges on his promise to pay the piper's fee, the musical maestro leads all the children away to a playground beyond the great mountain. Though lacking in musical talent and fine dancing abilities, the large, game cast is quite good. Van Johnson is both hearty and dashing in the dual role of laborer Truson and the Pied Piper, and no man ever looked so good in tights and a feathered cap; Johnson's jolly spirit seems conjured up on the sly, and his smart, sneaky Piper strikes a series of surreptitious poses (and some amusing double takes). Claude Rains as the mayor looks a little uncomfortable in the musical numbers, though Robert Browning's poetry slips naturally off his tongue and he's a wily villain. Jim Backus as the King's Emissary isn't so lucky; though he looks great in his plush pink velour-and-lace costume, his Mr. Magoo-isms don't mesh with the prosy teleplay (and his hamming does him no favors). The Edvard Grieg music is lovely, though the difficult lyrics often stymie the action--and the slapstick comedy doesn't work too well, either. Still, the presentation is a dandy, with handsome sets and costumes, a good build-up of the story, fun celebrations and a happy ending for one and all--with the exception of the rats.

Bizarre!

[tickettostars · 3/10 · 20 October 2021]

While it looks like the performers might be having a good time, it's still a strange production. It's good to get some laughs out of, just by making fun of it; but there any thin entertainment value ends. I'm only a forty-something, so perhaps I'm too young to appreciate it; but I think the talents of Van Johnson and Claude Rains are sorely wasted here.

One of the best musicals of all time.

[Saturnicus · 10/10 · 9 August 2004]

Do not believe bad reviews of this movie! I have loved it for as long as I remember. The symphonic music that the last review stupidly criticized is lovely pieces by genius composer Edvard Grieg. I still get chills when Van Johnson sings a song boasting of his accomplishments, with the Grieg piece Anitra's dance as the melody. Plus Claude Rains sings! This movie has great songs, great sets, great costumes, and is fun for everybody. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes the story of the pied piper, or those who like musicals. It is a gorgeous movie. It has a perfect cast. I rate this a 10.

Geoffrey K.

A Childhood Memory for Me, Too

[AustinKatAnne · 14 December 2005]

The DVD of this movie appeared in a bin for $1 at a one of the chain stores, and as soon as I saw the photo of Van Johnson in that incredible hat, I had to buy it.

My mom had a big crush on Van Johnson so any appearance of his was a must see event - when it was first shown we kids were all gathered around the black & white TV. (Although the show was made in color, we didn't see it that way until later reruns. No one I knew had color television before the mid-sixties.)Certain scenes didn't look too familiar, but others produced a slight chill, reminding me of how spooky those knights on the clock seemed to a kid. (Maybe that's why the medieval clock at Frankenmuth, Michigan was disturbing to me as an adult tourist??) The colors on this particular DVD were bright but not really garish. As a 9 year-old, I was given a copy of the Robert Browning poem with Kate Greenaway illustrations. The original story was a lot simpler, and darker, with no Hollywood ending.

The behavior of the town's government is startlingly relevant for today's world, as the politicians sing about 'Prestige', unfurl long documents full of legal phrases in an attempt to cheat the Piper, show their willingness to accept credit for someone else's work, and refuse to help the neighboring town which has been swept away in a flood. The other town's children are scattered and hungry, but the Mayor and council send a sympathy note on fine vellum instead of food or help.

I don't know if a child of today would sit through the songs, but for the sum of one dollar, you can play it for a child you know and observe their reaction!

amazing

[j_macwhinnie · 10/10 · 4 January 2005]

this movie was a great remake of the original even though the original was hard to follow.. especially when i never watched it. The way the piper was so kind to the citizens.. and then stole their kids.. and then brought them back brought a tear to my eye.. it was an extraordinarily fantastic performance! I also love how the piper was able to play the cello, clarinet, oboe, and violin with his magical instrument. thank you Bretaigne Windust for doing a great job remaking this movie. my favorite part of the movie was when the mayor hires the piper to lure the rodents away and agrees to pay a handsome fee and then the rats (quite realistic i may add) were led away, only to have the mayor renege on his promise.. thank you and good night!

One of my favorites growing up...

[ljaygould · 27 September 2004]

I saw this movie on TV when it first came on (I was about 5) and it ranked right up there with Cole Porter's ALADDIN as an immediate favorite. I remember having the record album (which had expanded versions of some of the Grieg songs, including the WEDDING DAY AT TROLDHAUGEN, a wonderful piano piece adapted for the mounting of the gold chimes that the corrupt mayor - Claude Rains - had fashioned by melting down the guilders in the town treasury!) When I was in high school I saw this film again and tracked down the Grieg selections which are not just from the Peer Gynt Suites as another commenter wrote but spanned the Piano Concerto - which became one of my favorites as a result - the above mentioned "WEDDING DAY", and many of the sections of the Peer Gynt Suites as well.

While today I see the tremendous limitations of this film and would not expect today's children to suspend their belief and enter this world like I did when I first saw it, it had a real effect on me and I'm glad to be able to see it again from time to time. I don't see Kay Starr's lament to the tune of Ase's Death as a "torch song" as suggested by an earlier commenter...I remember seeing this again, as a young teenager in the mid-60's and being very moved by that song, sung after the piper lured the children into the mountain. (I also remember how MAD I was once when it was shown on New York local TV and the song - and ONLY that song - was CUT).

Now, I see the complete lack of credibility of the ending - not only did the children come home, but the corrupt mayor was deposed in favor of the forthright school master, played in a double role by Van Johnson who also was the Piper - and then joined in the resultant gaiety by playing a tune from the Piper's flute instead of being hauled off in CHAINS like one would expect...oh well.

Perhaps there is one five, six or seven-year-old who will see and hear this and it will spark his curiosity and interest as it did mine. Given the jaded nature of today's youth, mixed with the decidedly dated nature of this as a movie and a musical, I'm not holding my breath. Still, it joins "THE MUSIC MAN" (the ORIGINAL with Robert Preston) and the Alastair Sim "CHRISTMAS CAROL" as one of my three childhood favorite movies.

A Great made for TV Colour Children's movie of the 1950's!

[cathytreks · 10/10 · 31 May 2008]

Van Johnson and Claude Rains stand out especially so for the type of presentation it is. It is very well made in Technicolor for the then early medium of early colour filmed Television. The cast is first-rate, with movie great Van Johnson brilliantly playing the strange and yes often frightening piper!, as well as the kindly school teacher Trueson, who is also the village conscience. Legendary movie Thespian Claude Rains is absolutely wonderful as the clever, sneering, and corrupt lord mayor of Hamlin. Rains clearly has fun playing him much like he did PrinceJohn in 'Adventures Of Robin Hood from back in 1938! Rains even does a comical, show-stopping song and dance, Gilligan's Island's Jim Backus also appears as the King's messenger, and his comedy is sorely needed as this fairy tale goes rather dark in it's second half! One highlight of the film, is Van Johnson as the Pied Piper, leading the rats out of Hamlin to their deaths in the river. He is playing on his pipe the haunting melody of 'In The Hall Of The Mountain King' from Mr. Greig's 'Peter Guint Suite' as the cleverly animated rats march off to their oblivion! Others in the cast are as familiar as they are enjoyable as well, This as an all around delightful nostalgic romp. This should appeal to both young and old alike! And unlike the fairy tale of books, this 'Pied Piper Of Hamlin' has a happy ending for all, and with a lesson for everyone about greed, selfishness, and false pride. I rate this a heartfelt ***** STARS!

Abuse of authority and rats, twin scourges of Hamelin!

[Bobs-9 · 1 October 2002]

I had never heard of this movie, and got a chance to see it for the very first time in a cheapie DVD edition. I marvel at the tremendous amount of obscure old films out there. An entire lifetime wouldn't be enough to know them all. While this one is problematic, on the whole I'm pleased to have discovered it, as I love finding these little-known byways of films past.

I agree that while this was originally conceived as a children's film, it would bore to death most kids today, having been desensitized by the blazingly fast pace of today's video and film styles. This is best appreciated as a bit of 1950s kitsch, and as such I find it an interesting museum piece. I was a bit puzzled by the lack of depth in much of the cinematography. It just didn't seem particularly cinematic, but looking it up at the IMDb and finding it to be a made-for-TV project sort of explained that to me. The look was dictated by the budget, and perhaps an idea that this shallow staging was best suited to the small screen circa 1957, which was very small indeed. As it was recorded on film rather than videotape, its origins as a TV production were not quite immediately apparent, but it's certainly an odd mixture of cinematic and television style.

What's been said below is true, i.e. garish primary colors, a clumsy sometimes-rhyming and sometimes-not script, saccharine sentimentalizing and simplistic moralizing. Some of the rhymes sound to be lifted from, or at least inspired by, the poem by Robert Browning originally published in 1887, "The Pied Piper of Hamelin: A Child's Story." Also, no doubt mandated by the demands of TV executives and/or sponsors, a happy ending is tacked on at the end which is quite unlike that of the original story. Regarding the odd name of Hamelin's unfortunate rival city, it seems to me that it was meant to be pronounced Hamel-OUT, as a simple (very simple) play on words (Hamel-IN and Hamel-OUT. In and out, get it? Har har!). Well, I guess they thought kids of the time would find that amusing.

It is an interesting idea to set a musical to tunes by Edvard Grieg, who produced an abundant supply of melodies. My guess is that this was inspired by the musical "Kismet" having used melodies by Alexander Borodin so effectively. Besides "Peer Gynt," there are tunes from Grieg's "Norwegian Dances" and his Piano Concerto. While the lyrics are hardly masterpieces, I did find it amusing to hear one of the Norwegian Dances adorned with the lyric "flim, flam, floom."

It's strange indeed to see chanteuse Kay Starr performing what sounds to me like a sultry torch song to lament the disappearance of her child. As the film was conceived as family entertainment, maybe this was thought to be something for the adults in the family, but the effect is just bizarre. I couldn't identify a Grieg melody in this song.

Van Johnson does a fine job in the dual roles of the Piper and Truson, the town civil libertarian and whistle-blower. More than addressing just the issue of human greed and deceit, the script seems a somewhat liberal take on the issues of free speech and the abuse of power in a democratic government. Good old Claude Rains seems to give his all in the role of the corrupt mayor of Hamelin, and though he's a bit long-in-the-tooth by then, he plays the part with relish and what seems to me total commitment. Good for him!

It seems to me that the main attractions of this film are its nostalgic and kitsch qualities, and if those attributes irritate you, you'd do well to avoid it, but it does have value as sort of a museum-piece curiosity, half video and half cinema, with some McCarthy-era liberalism thrown in. I'm glad to have discovered it.

Such a cute children's classic

[HotToastyRag · 8/10 · 28 November 2021]

If this beloved television special was the first movie I'd seen Van Johnson in, I'd love him. It's such a cute musical, and he's just adorable! Set to the music of Edvard Grieg and spoken entirely in rhymes (much from Robert Browning's poem), this fairy tale features two novelties: Van Johnson in a dual role, and Claude Rains singing. I couldn't believe it either, but there he was, prancing around, singing, and looking like he was having a blast.

The opening is so cute. A little boy observes the famed piper (Van Johnson in a brown wig and goatee) playing his flute in the woods. He runs home to tell his friends in the village. "I saw the piper again," he tells a man with his back to the camera. "He looked just like you!" The man turns around and says, "Is that so?" It's Van Johnson again, but with his clean-cut face and strawberry hair.

Originally shown on television during Thanksgiving week, it was so successful it was rerun for several years, sparking the annual tradition of showing a family friendly movie on NBC. And, in another interesting bit of trivia, the few movies that had been shown prior to 1957 (like Mary Martin's Peter Pan), this one was not aired live. This was the first motion picture to be filmed for television! Even watching it today, it's still an entertaining classic. Great for kids, and great for the young at heart.

lovely

[Kirpianuscus · 24 August 2017]

it remains, after more than a half of century, surprising. and charming. and seductive. and nice. a family film from 1957. with the traces of the period sensibility, songs and love story. an old legend in decent adaptation. as vehicle for an useful state of soul. this is it . nothing less. good performances, seductive, dramatic and poetic. and real special.