YouTube Theatre: Peter Pan (1976)

 NBC, for the 2nd time, had adapted J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan as a primetime special, after the 1st, with Mary Martin in the title role, had aired several times.

In 1976, this adaptation was headlined by Mia Farrow (ex-Peyton Place) & Danny Kaye, with Kaye essaying the dual roles of Mr. Darling and the villainous Captain Hook. Dwight Hemion & Gary Smith, who at the time were producing a lot of awards shows and specials after Hullabaloo had ended 10 years earlier, were director & producer for NBC & ITC. Like Peyton castmate Ryan O'Neal, Farrow had transitioned to movies by this point, so it was news that she was returning to television. 

A new soundtrack was composed by Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse, with the opening theme performed by Julie Andrews. The cast also includes Paula Kelly, known as a dancer and film actress before signing on to Night Court a few years later, and Virginia McKenna (Mrs. Bill Travers) as Mrs. Darling.

I recall seeing this one night, but couldn't finish because it ended past my bedtime. I'd seen Disney's version a few years earlier. This was presented as if it was adapted for the stage, with an actor wearing the costume of the Darlings' pet sheepdog.

Rating: B-.