Peter Pan (1956)

When a young boy (Mary Martin) returns to the London home to find his shadow that was lost there, the young girl (Kathleen Nolan) who lives there is enchanted with him and agrees to go to Neverneverland, the boy's home, along with her two younger brothers (Tom Halloran, Robert Harrington). Based on the classic play by James M. Barrie by way of the 1954 Broadway musical production and directed for TV by Clark Jones under the supervision of the Broadway show's original director/choreographer Jerome Robbins. I've never warmed to the tale of Peter Pan. There's something icky about a boy who doesn't want to grow up but remain a child forever. And when the role is played by a 42 year old actress, it only adds to the surrealism. But this production and Mary Martin as Peter Pan is much beloved by a certain generation who viewed the production multiple times in their adolescence. The songs (by Moose Charlap, Jule Styne, Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green) are a mixed bag but Robbins' choreography is lively. Its portrayal of Native Americans is dated (Tiger Lily is played by a blonde, Sondra Lee) but hey, it's 1956. With Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook (he seems to be having a great time) and Margalo Gillmore.