Peter Pan (1924)

A young boy (Betty Bronson), who refuses to grow up, returns to the children's bedroom of the Darling household where he lost his shadow. He suggests to the children, Wendy (Mary Brian), John (Jack Murphy) and Michael (Philippe De Lacy) that they accompany him to Never Never Land which they do. Based on the beloved classic by J.M. Barrie and directed by Herbert Brenon. This silent film follows Barrie's original narrative (based on his play) very closely. The film is quite charming and some of the visuals are imposing. Following in the tradition of the original 1904 stage production where Peter was played by a woman (Nina Boucicault), the androgynous (at least here) Betty Bronson plays Peter. There's an unintentional element of homoeroticism in the kissing scenes between Peter and Wendy because of this. Personally, I've never been a big fan of the idea behind Peter Pan. I find the idea of someone never wanting to grow up and remain a child forever kind of icky. That being said, this is an imaginative and often exciting version of the tale. With Ernest Torrence as Captain Hook, Anna May Wong as Tiger Lily, Virginia Brown Faire as Tinkerbell, Esther Ralston, Cyril Chadwick and stealing scenes as Nana the dog, George Ali.