Starring Robin Askwith, Eleanor Parker, Roberta Tovey, and John Gregson
Directed by Robert Scheerer
Music and Lyrics by Moose Charlap
The book Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates has been a beloved children's novel since its release in 1865. The story of poor Dutch boy Hans, his sister Gretel, and their attempt to win the title skates in a big local skating contest has been made into a movie at least four times on TV, including two musicals and two different Disney versions. We're discussing the second musical version from 1969. It first debuted on NBC as a Christmas special and ran on cable frequently during the 80's and 90's. Is it still worthy of those silver skates today, or should it be left behind? Let's begin with how Hans' father Raff (Gregson) had the accident that left his family in poverty and find out...
The Story: Raff fell from a dike and suffered head trauma. He frequently doesn't recognize his family, and when he does, he often suffers violent spells. Hans tries to get a job to earn money for his family, but the residents of his small town look down on him for being poor, and his pride won't allow him to take charity. He's also sweet on pretty and wealthy Annie (Sheila Whitmill), though his mother and hers wishes they'd cool things down a little and avoid the town's gossip.
Hans whittles wooden skates for him and his sister Gretel (Tovey) in the hope that they might win the New Year's Day skating contest and have skates of their own. He earns enough money carving to join a group of boys from the town in Amsterdam and hire renown physician Dr. Boekman (Richard Basehart). Hans is able to talk Boekman into it, but he cautions that it could prove fatal. Now, Hans and Gretel really have high hopes for the Christmas holiday, not only to win the big skating contest, but for their father to get well.
The Song and Dance: Unlike many TV movies of this time period, this was filmed on location in the real Netherlands. It goes a long way to giving the movie authentic Dutch charm and grace, especially the many shots of long Dutch canals in all their blue frozen beauty. Parker is lovely and elegant as Peter's concerned mother, and Cyril Ritchard steals the show as the fussy innkeeper who teaches Hans and his country friends a memorable musical lesson in manners.
Favorite Number: We open with the chorus singing about the delights of of "Holland" as Gretel admires her family's small but cozy home. Dame Brinker reminds her children that "There's Always a Way" to make your dreams come true. The children in the town are delighted to be "Free" to join their friends on the frozen pond in the first big skating number. Upset after one of her husband's violent outbursts, his wife recalls the "Golden Tomorrow" of their early courtship.
Hans and the other boys in town are thrilled when they arrive in the big city of "Amsterdam" as they practice skating for the contest. Innkeeper Mijnheer Kleef (Ritchard) tries to teach the boys "Proper Manners" when they sit at the table, but they keep grabbing at the food and having food fights when his back is turned. Hans and Annie wonder what happens "When He/She Speaks" as they stroll through a Dutch winter wonderland hand-in-hand. It's hard for Hans and Gretel to enjoy "A Hymn to St Nicholas" at Annie's big Christmas Eve party, even when the kindly old bishop himself appears, due to their worries about their father's surgery.
Trivia: This is the second time the book was adapted into a TV musical. Hallmark Hall of Fame originally did this one in 1958 with Tab Hunter as Hans and Olympic figure skater Dick Button as one of his friends. Disney also did two non-musical TV versions, a more traditional one in 1962 for their Wonderful World of Color and the modernized 1998 Disney Channel movie Brink!
What I Don't Like: Charming though this is, it can also come off as a bit stiff and cold, especially in the first half when Hans' pride has him turning away many friend who could help him. Ritchard's number is such a showstopper that the others, mostly ballads and chorus routines, suffer by comparison. And if you haven't read the book (of which this is a fairly accurate adaptation) and/or aren't into older children's novels, you may find a lot of this slow going or overly melodramatic, especially the end with how the father gets well.
The Big Finale: Charming tale may be a tad slow and stiff, but it's still highly recommended for fans of Ritchard or the book or those looking for a sweet family musical on a cold Christmas night.
Home Media: The DVD is available, but hard to find. You're better off watching this one online; it can currently be found on YouTube.
No comments:
Post a Comment