Episode #17 | Peter Pan
This next movie in our Disney movie review series is a family favorite, Peter Pan! Claire doesn’t remember it however, so it’s basically new for her. Here’s our thoughts on this classic story.
30 Word Disney Dash
Summary in 30 words or less:
Peter Pan takes Darlings to Neverland. Captain Hook plots revenge. Meet Indians and mermaids. Wendy teaches Lost Boys about mothers. All but Pan captured by pirates, Peter saves them all.
History & Fun Facts
This is a 1953 animated film by Disney based on the 1904 play by J.M. Barrie. It's the 14th animated film. It starred Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Paul Collins, Heather Angel, and Bill Thomas as Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, Captain Hook and George Darling, John Darling, Mary Darling, & Mr Smee respectively. It was the final release through RKO productions before Disney founded his own distribution company. It was also the final film in which all 9 directing animators known as Disney’s Nine Old Men worked together.
Disney planned on doing an adaptation as his second film, but gaining the rights and production took longer than anticipated. During WWII, Disney was also commissioned for war propaganda films, so work was shelved. He thought about the directions he would take with the story, including telling Peter’s backstory, but ultimately chose to stay with the original play’s plot. Disney talked to a few different people for voice acting, Mary Martin for Pan, Jean Arthur for Pan, Cary Grant for Hook. By 1947, finances improved and Disney returned to producing full-length animated films. Three projects were in development: Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, & Peter Pan. Cinderella was green lit first, then Alice, finally Peter Pan was placed back into production in 1949.
In early scripts, there were more scenes with the pirates and mermaids, but they were cut for pacing. There were also darker scenes in production of Hook being killed by the crocodile and the Darling family mourning their lost children, but these were also abandoned. For animation, they had actors performing scenes for reference. Kathryn Beaumont voiced and was the model for both Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan. The melody for The Second Star to the Right song was originally written for Alice in Wonderland. What Made the Red Man Red has become controversial due to the racist stereotypes of Native Americans. The movie was released in 1953. It grossed $6 million initially and earned a lifetime gross of $87.4 million ($427.5 million for inflation).
Critics praised it for the colorful and exciting features, but criticized the film for not portraying the spirit of the original play. Others gave high reviews for its enchanting quality, stating it was another Disney masterpiece to be enjoyed by children and adults. In recent times, it has been criticized due to the racial stereotyping of Indians. One of the supervising animators said years afterward that they likely wouldn't have done the Indians, or at least not in the same way if making the movie now. A sequel was released in 2002, Return to Never Land, direct to DVD. Disney Fairies is a series that tells stories of Tinker Bell and her friends. The theme parks have Peter Pan’s Flight, a popular ride. Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee appear in parades and greetings. There’s also appearances in Disney on Ice, video games, and board games. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr is a children's musical available for school & children’s theatre productions. A live action, called Peter Pan & Wendy, is scheduled to be released on Disney+ in 2022.
Favorite Characters
Lily: I liked Tick Tock the crocodile the best. Whenever he was present the scene was comedic and we got to see Hook be terrified instead of his intimidating villainous self.
Claire: My favorite character was Mr. Smee because he had the role of the silly side-kick that added comedic relief. He wasn’t necessarily the villain, but was just dragged along into things.
Favorite Scenes
Lily: I enjoyed the scene when Smee is trying to shave Captain Hook, but ends up shaving the seagull. It’s a comedic scene full of dumb humor, but I laugh and enjoy it every time I watch it.
Claire: My favorite scene was when Wendy was singing to the Lost Boys about mothers and taking care of them as if she is their mother. I liked seeing Wendy act like a mother figure who cared about them all.
Takeaways
Lily: Imagination is always good, never grow out of it. Stay in touch with your inner child.
Claire: Be the good guy and not the bad guy, otherwise you’ll get eaten by the crocodile. Always care for others as Wendy cares for the Lost Boys.
Overall Thoughts
Lily: I’ve always enjoyed the story of Peter Pan and I still do despite some of the politically incorrect scenes today. The moral of the story is a good one I think we need a reminder of sometimes. I also enjoy the music and found Mr. Darling to be funny and more relatable now as an adult. Growing up all I remembered about him was that he was mean to Nana. I couldn’t get Alice out of my head when I was hearing Wendy this time, however.
My 5 Star Rating in the Disney Classics Genre: ***** (5/5)
Claire: I thought this was a good movie. I don’t recall seeing it before. I liked the music and the general story. I liked the colorful animation and characters as well. I’d watch this one again as it’s a classic Disney film.
My 5 Star Rating in the Disney Classics Genre: *** (3/5)
What do you think of the classic Peter Pan? What are your favorite parts? Is there anything different you see watching this now as compared to childhood? We’d like to hear back from you on your thoughts! Until next time...may your dreams come true!
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