Tales of Beatrix Potter (1971) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language

1971 · 90 mins · English

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Directed by

Reginald Mills

Starring

Keith Martin, Ann Howard, Bob Mead, Frederick Ashton, Julie Wood, Alexander Grant

The Royal Ballet Company brings Squirrel Nutkin, Tom Thumb, Hunca Munca, Jemima Puddle‑Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Pigling Bland and Pigwig to the screen, performing pirouettes and pas de deux in a filmed ballet directed by Reginald Mills. Choreography is by Frederick Ashmore, music by John Lanchbery and costumes by Rostislav Douboujinsky. The literal adaptation follows a shy Beatrix Potter whose toy animals awaken, prompting her to emerge from her shell. Highlights include a chaotic dance where Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca smash plaster food, a midnight pas de deux between Pigling Bland and Pigwig, and a corps de ballet of dancing mice.