High Tor
High Tor is a 1936 play by Maxwell Anderson. Twenty years after the original production, Anderson adapted it into a television musical with Arthur Schwartz. Anderson first considered a musical adaptation of High Tor for television in 1949. He and John Monks Jr. adapted the play as a made-for-television musical fantasy in 1955, with music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Anderson. High Tor was filmed in November 1955 by Desilu Productions at the RKO-Pathé Studio and broadcast March 10, 1956 on the CBS television network, as a 90-minute episode of the series Ford Star Jubilee. Bing Crosby, Julie Andrews, Nancy Olson, Hans Conreid, and Keenan Wynn starred in the film, produced by Arthur Schwartz, and directed by James Neilson.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy but reclusive playwright, Arthur, is visited by a mischievous band of sprites who claim ownership of his mountaintop estate, High Tor. He finds himself caught between his desire for solitude and the enchantment these otherworldly beings bring, particularly a beautiful sprite named Lissa. The play explores themes of imagination, escapism, and the struggle between reality and fantasy.
Critical Reception
As a live television production, 'High Tor' was a significant event, showcasing a unique blend of fantasy and drama. While specific critical reviews from its original broadcast are scarce, it is remembered for its ambitious production and the early presence of a young Julie Andrews. The adaptation of Maxwell Anderson's play was seen as a notable television experiment of its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its imaginative premise and ethereal atmosphere.
- Noted for the early performance of Julie Andrews.
- Considered an ambitious and unusual television adaptation for its time.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1956 television film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This production was broadcast live on the DuPont Show of the Month and marked one of Julie Andrews' earliest significant television roles before her breakthrough in 'My Fair Lady' on Broadway.
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