Thursday, December 4, 2014

Peter Pan - On TV and In Vintage Books


The musical Peter Pan is going to be broadcast live on television on November 4, 2014, with Allison Williams in the role of Peter.  This classic musical first appeared on Broadway in 1954 with Mary Martin as Peter Pan.  Later it was broadcast on television (always on NBC) in 1955, 1956, and 1960.  The 1960 broadcast was played annually and children who grew up in the 1960's will remember it fondly.

I always loved the story of Peter Pan as a girl.  I loved the annual Peter Pan musical that appeared on TV, and I also loved the story in picture book format - and later the original J.M. Barrie book as well.  I try to keep several editions of Peter Pan in my store.  You'll find them here:  Peter Pan visits Birdhouse Books.  All of the pictures below are from the bookshelves of my store.

Walt Disney's Story Book of Peter Pan is from 1953:



This edition of Peter Pan was from 1956, and illustrated by Ruth Woods.  (I had a copy of this as a child and loved it!)


This 1980 Wonder Book of Peter Pan was illustrated by Beatrice Derwinski.  It's really cute.


This newer edition is a Walt Disney Little Golden Book from 1991:


In case you'd like to see Mary Martin as Peter Pan, you'll find a video below from the 1956 production.  At the very end of the 4 minute video, you'll find a charming old commercial as well.  I hope you enjoy it!