In 1904 J. M. Barrie introduced to the world a new character in the world of fantasy. He brought to life in the form of a small boy the quest we all feel at times, namely to hold on to our dreams, our hopes and joys...our youth. The material was first presented on the stage, and is currently a favorite among high school, junior college and local and professional theatrical companies. The story has been presented in film four times, in 1924 as a silent film, in 1960 (starring Mary Martin) again in 1975 (made for TV) and in 1953 in it's most memorable form as an animated feature by the Walt Disney Company. The material was revisited again in 1991 in the movie Hook, which continues the story as if Peter Pan had really grown up.

Peter as a baby, overhearing his parents plan for his education and success in the world, decided that he would not be part of it and ran away. He was found by Tinkerbell and brought to Neverland where he learned to fly, to fight and to use his imagination. He was joined in his adventure by the hearty band of "lost boys", boys who being unlucky had fallen out of their prams and gotten lost. Together with Pirates, Indians and Wild Animals (not to mention a faerie or two) lived together in Neverland, and had wonderful adventures, wars and fun.
In the story, Peter who is the habit of visiting the homes of other people looses his shadow in the nursery of the Darling Family. It is found and returned to him by Wendy starting a conversation that will carry her and her bothers into fantasy. Of special note here is the pubescent nature of the character Wendy and the maternal instincts she is given. After all, what we all need, including the lost boys, is a mother. This waking undertone of maturity is future highlighted in the jealousy shown by Tinkerbell over Wendy's presence. In the movie "Hook" this is actually addressed when Tink makes a wish for herself and becoming human size tell Peter that she is in love with him.
For a young Peter, growing into manhood, learning the boundaries of his world, the journey could not be complete without a arch-rival, pitted in a duel to the death for control of the imaginary kingdom. So enters Captain James Hook. Mr. Barrie gave a wonder description in his book, which was drawn by the Disney company, but no representation, in my opinion can compare to that give by Dustin Hoffman in the movie "Hook". Dustin Hoffman To heighten the tension, in the power struggle in Neverland, A tribe of Indians, as well as Wild Animals are added to the fray. This become a turning point for Peter, when he saves the Indian Princess from Hook at the possible cost of his own life. An alliance is made thereafter, leaving Peter to deal with JAS Hook alone.
And deal with him he does, after the Pirates capture Wendy and the lost boys, Peter comes to the rescue. A fierce battle ensues with peter and Captain Hook in a battle to the death. The outcome is change however when the Crocodile that originally took Hook's hand comes back for the rest of him. Thus Peter is saved the task of actually dispatch his rival (and the father figure in the story.) Yet even in that battle, when Peter is tricked in the end, for by gesture, Hook invites Peter to his foot in the final blow to send him in to the sea and the crocodile, and when he does...Hook jeers "Bad Form" as he is lost.
After the battle with Hook where was little left to do for it was time for Wendy, Michael and John to go home. The lost boys went with along and in turn were adopted by Mr. & Mrs. Darling, but Peter would have nothing to do with it. He did not want to go to school, and later an office, he would not someday have a beard. He would instead go back to neverland, and live with Tink in the top of tree. He would return each year, at spring cleaning for Wendy.

Years past, and the visits of Peter grew less frequent. All the lost boys, and Michael and John and so too Wendy grew up. They had families and occupation and lives of there own. Wendy who had long ago forgotten how to fly had a daughter "Jane" and one day Peter showed up, and as Wendy couldn't go anymore, Jane took here place for spring cleaning, and after Jane, Margaret, James daughter made the trip. So ends the Story of Peter Pan for in the end, "All children grow up, except one."


For more visits with Peter Pan

The Walt Disney Classics Collection- Peter Pan

Peter Pan, by James M. Barrie

The Disney Channel

Tammy's Home Page

If you haven't signed my Guest Book please do.

And a dusting of Fairy dust and you return to

Neverland


This page hosted by get your own Free home page