In the movie Pied Piper of Hamelin, based on the familiar legend, Van Johnson plays the title character, a wandering minstrel who ventures into the German town of Hamelin. Here he finds the locals living in misery, as the town is overrun with rats, which are spreading disease and destroying their crops. When the town council refuses to pay him for his services, the Pied Piper decides on a drastic course of action - he will play his magical flute and lead the rats out of the town, never to return. His plan works but when the Pied Piper returns to claim his payment, the townspeople decide not to pay, as they feel they no longer need him. Finding himself swindled, the Pied Piper plays a different tune that will make the town pay the price for breaking their promise.
Just like the legend, the movie features the Pied Piper playing a magical tune on his pipe that entranced the rats and forced them to follow him out of the town. One of the most striking things about the film is the colorful costumes and sets that create an imaginative, fairy-tale-like world. Alongside Johnsonâs charismatic and energetic performance, the movie also stars the legendary Claude Rains as the townâs governor, portraying his role with an air that masterfully reflects both charm and deceitful behavior.
The story-line is engaging and rich, as the viewer delves more into the hardship the people of Hamelin have been facing before and after the arrival of the Pied Piper. The crisis unfolds slowly, and the movie takes time to introduce the characters and the setting, so that we get drawn to the story and feel for the characters. The Pied Piperâs dancing and playfulness, together with the realistic portrayal of the rats and the contrasting picturesque backdrop of the cascading hills of Hamelin, make the movie a masterpiece of its time.
As the tale takes its turn, a twist in the plot surprises the viewer and delivers a powerful message about the importance of honesty, accountability, and the obligations we have towards our promises. It makes an appeal to ethical reasoning, especially when human nature stands against fairness and justice.
The film also boasts some remarkable features in its musical score. The haunting score is composed by Van Cleave that sets the film's mystical tone and enhances the magic of the Piper's tune, as well as provideing some fun tunes for the festival scenes that bring joy and humanity to the story-line.
Despite being made over 60 years ago, the Pied Piper of Hamelin still holds its grip and appeal in today's world by showcasing the power of the human spirit to overcome their problems and differences, and work together for the greater good. This timeless story still resonates with its viewers, reminding us that our actions, whether good or bad, will have consequences, and that we should hold up to our promises and obligations.
In conclusion, The Pied Piper of Hamelin is a classical tale with a timeless message. The movie delivers a remarkable story-line with vivid scenes, striking characterizations, an unbeatable cast, and a superb score, which has solidified its place in cinema history. If you're looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking experience, this highly engaging and delightful family movie is a perfect fit.
Pied Piper of Hamelin - 1958 - Color is a family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.
