Peter Pan (1924)

Originally published on social media on September 27th, 2023

A friend of mine recently treated me and took me to see Peter Pan at the local performing arts center. This silent film played on the big screen while an organist played the score live…and the entire experience was magic and made me feel as if I traveled in time.

Looking at the film itself, I was amazed by how entertaining it really was! The humor was timeless and innocent, and the general vibe of the film felt surprisingly comforting. The special effects seemed ahead of their time and the acting was sensational for the silent film era. This film did come with surprises:

1). The dog, Nana or “nurse” as called in this film, was played by a human in a dog costume! The crazy part is, the dog was my friend and I’s favorite character! So endearing and sweet, this “pup” reminded me of my own darling doggy!

2). Anna May Wong played Tiger Lily, and it was one of her first roles! She was absolutely lovely!

3). There was a breaking of the fourth wall and an invitation for audience participation! The audience we were in completely participated and it was pure delight!

4). This version of Peter Pan took place in America and had a few patriotic nods.

5). There was multiracial casting both in the indigenous tribes and pirate crew, and yet didn’t feel racist like other films of the era. The only racist thing was the use of the term “redskin” to describe the indigenous peoples, but the way they were depicted was not demeaning.

Here’s a fun fact: J.M. Barrie was involved in the casting, and had final say in who played Peter Pan!

I loved this film

Let me leave you with a story: The organist of our show used to play in El Capitan Theater (you know the Disney one in LA). He premiered this rare show and music in 1998 to a theater full of celebrities. One guest, who sat in the front row, arrived JUST ON TIME. The curtain was raising and the lights dimming as an usher led Michael Jackson to his seat. As the organist said, “the real life Peter Pan came to the showing.” That thought makes me smile, I love MJ, and now I share a connection with him: we both had the rare experience of witnessing this organist perform the same show…that’s pure magic!