Tales of Beatrix Potter

The Royal Ballet Company brings Squirrel Nutkin, Tom Thumb, Hunca Munca, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Pigling Bland, and Pigwig to the screen doing pirouettes and pas de deux in this filmed ballet production directed by Reginald Mills. The film more properly belongs, however, to choreographer Frederick Ashmore, composer John Lanchbery, and costume designer Rostislav Douboujinsky. This literal adaptation concerns the shy Beatrix Potter and how, when all of the toy animals in her room come to life, she emerges from her shell and begins to enjoy life. Sequences include a rowdy dance with Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca destroying a collection of plaster food, a midnight pas de deux between Pigling Bland and Pigwig, and a corps de ballet of dancing mice.

Cast

Frederick Ashton

Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle

Alexander Grant

Pigling Bland / Peter Rabbit

Julie Wood

Mrs. Tittlemouse

Keith Martin

Johnny Townmouse

Ann Howard

Jemina Puddleduck

Bob Mead

Fox

Garry Grant

Alexander

Sally Ashby

Mrs. Pettitoes / Tabitha