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Wendy and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland with the hero of their stories, Peter Pan.
The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up is celebrating 65 years as “Peter Pan,” a Disney classic adapted from the play by J.M. Barrie. This magical story of pixie dust and flying off to a land where you never have to grow up is mesmerizing to all ages. Peter Pan (voice of Bobby Driscoll) is the leader of the Lost Boys and also the subject of Wendy’s (voice of Kathryn Beaumont) tales as she entertains her little brothers at bedtime.
Mr. Darling (voice of Hans Conried who is also the voice of Capt. Hook) is preparing for an evening out with his wife. The children are in the care of Nanny, the dog, but mostly Wendy, who Mr. Darling has decided is too old to be in the nursery any longer. So in NormalLand, Wendy is being forced to grow up. Is it any surprise that Peter Pan appears that night to whisk them all away to the wonderful adventures of NeverLand where you never have to grow up?
The animation of the film is of modern quality, with bright, crisp, colorful renderings while the music and the voices are of yesteryear. The voices of the women are soft and lilting anddomicile while Mr. Darling and Captain Hook are in turns, pompous and sinister, baffled and foiled. It is interesting to note the changes in the depiction of gender roles as well as our ability to sit through the credits before the film starts.
Regardless, “Peter Pan” is a delightful story to young and old and all those in between who never grew up. You will enjoy the memories of the past as they come to life in the wonders of today’s modern technology. Your children will love this film as much as you did when you were a child. In this way, “Peter Pan” is a childhood treasure who will truly never have to grow up.
Now available on Walt Disney Signature Collection Blu-ray
