I came across a youtube video recently that stunned me. When I was 5 or 6 My mother took me and my younger sister (who was very small at the time) to the movies. It was a big deal- my mother didn’t drive – not at all – and we lived in the country so a long walk to a bus etc. with little folks – pain in the butt. I was mesmerized by the film and have had images from it floating around in my head ever since. I did not remember the name and it was so long ago and so pre internet I couldn’t imagine I would ever find it. And then I came across this video and recognized it instantly: the tales of beatrix potter
It premiered in 1971 – the Royal Ballet presentation of The Potter tales. There are lots of clips on youtube and you can find it in it’s entirety on DVD on Amazon. My strongest memories are of the Jeremy Fisher and squirrels on paddle boats segments.
I love the moodiness and there is an intersection between pretend and real elements – a particular note – that has always held a huge appeal for me. I believe this film played a huge part in who I became and what I do. You might also enjoy this series of behind the scenes photos by Lara Platman of the making of the costumes ( it is still performed on stage).