Hans Christian Andersen

Felt like they made Hans Christian Andersen (1952) too highbrow. Still a stunning Hollywood portrayal of the story collector.

This is a good yarn well told. The final 20 minute ballet sequence is bold film making (yes, we know, it's not 'The Red Shoes'), which has to be said is entertaining despite not being spectacular. Kaye is, as always, delightful and Joseph Walsh as Peter is very impressive (it's rare for a child actor to not come across as whiny in such a role, but Walsh pulls it off). Zizi Jeanmaire is convincing in her dancing and acting, with Farley Granger a likeable curmudgeon.

A whole ballet at the end left it unbalanced.

Red Shoes this ain't. But a few cute musical numbers and my soft spot for Danny Kaye make it watchable.

eh. I thought the songs were half-baked. One of them seems to consist of the phrase "I'm Hans Christian Anderson" being sung over and over. The ballet is nothing compared to The Red Shoes. What's up with that kid's Noo Yawk accent?

Danny Kaye has done much better.