Peter Pan," arguably the most extraordinary of this year's 40 Three Rivers... REGION Edition

Finally, he yielded -- after securing full right of casting approval. Direction was entrusted to Herbert Brenon, an Irishman who could be counted on to render that curious mix of pirates, fairies and Indians without turning it into schlock. He was "a tyrant who abused everyone with his sharp Du...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPittsburgh post-gazette (Pittsburgh, Pa. 1978)
Main Author BARRY PARIS, POST-GAZETTE MOVIE CRITIC
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Pittsburgh, Pa Pittsburgh Post - Gazette 16.11.2002
Subjects
Barrie, James
Brenon, Herbert
Bronson, Betty
Brooks, Louise
Paris, Barry
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Summary:Finally, he yielded -- after securing full right of casting approval. Direction was entrusted to Herbert Brenon, an Irishman who could be counted on to render that curious mix of pirates, fairies and Indians without turning it into schlock. He was "a tyrant who abused everyone with his sharp Dublin accent and tongue," said Louise Brooks, a Follies star recruited for Brenon's "Street of Forgotten Men." But he was one of Paramount's hottest directors, whose string of hits would include the original silent versions of not only "[Peter Pan]" but also "Beau Geste" and "The Great Gatsby" (1926). Except for "Peter Pan." When word of its production went out in 1924, a cast-hunting frenzy began, unmatched until Selznick's search for Scarlett O'Hara. Every Paramount ingenue was tested. Every veteran actress who saw herself as eternally young sought the starring role. Mary Pickford longed to fly as Peter. Gloria Swanson went to London to woo [James Barrie] face-to-face. He had the final word -- but his word to all of them was "no." Two well-known screen beauties were cast in support -- Mary Brian as Wendy and Esther Ralston as Mrs. Darling -- to excellent effect. Ernest Torrence's Captain Hook delights. Tinkerbell (a miniaturized Virginia Brown) tugs at your heart, struggling to open the drawer with Peter's shadow, languishing until the audience claps its restorative belief in her. Anna May Wong is a terrific Tiger Lily, and Philippe De Lacy (Garbo's son in the silent "Anna Karenina") a gorgeous Michael.
ISSN:1068-624X