Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard as Peter Pan and Captain Hook in the March 7, 1955 NBC-TV production of Peter Pan
Her Peter Pan role – nothing hum-drum about that. With the impact she made, and the enthusiasm and sheer fun she exuded, it’s not surprising that she is still considered to be the definitive Peter Pan, having won awards for the role and the various productions she starred in still being broadcast on TV and selling on DVD.
It has been suggested by some that Mary Martin lacked that “special something” as an actress, and that the camera did not “love her” or reveal a hidden, enchanting star quality. Not every movie or stage star can have that “It” factor – the glam image, the “Hollywood here I am” charisma – but they can be a star nonetheless. And a true one, no matter the opinions of critics and reviewers. Mary Martin went out there and became one – a most shining star. She soared above. With glee above the audiences. She sang rapturously to the clouds. She did it, and she made it. 42nd Street her way.
Copyright © December 2015: Lorraine Dmitrovic
Lorraine Dmitrovic: The Surreality of it All.... Film, books, the arts 