Practically perfect version of the 1959 hit that made Carol Burnett a star is a delightful discovery. As the "shy" princess Winifred, Burnett swims the moat when she discovers that there's an opening for a princess, raising the wrath of imperious queen Jane White yet getting the love of prince Joseph Bova. Mute king jack Gilford goes out of his way to aide his son and turn the tables on his nasty wife. This version of "The Princess and the Pea" has been done in every possible kind of venue from children's theater and summer stock to two New York revivals, but for my money Burnett is your best bet. She remade this in 1972 in color then got back into the Bob Mackie gowns for a TV remake where she played the queen to Tracy Ullman's Winifred, aka "Fred".
Then there's Bill Hayes ("Days of Our Lives") as the jester and Ken Berry and Shani Wallis as star crossed lovers who are bound to remain single by the queen's edict. A bouncy score, funny script and family friendly atmosphere make this a must, although there's a bit of tongue in cheek for those who find the phrase "family friendly" a distasteful description. While the print qualities of this that circulate are often weak, if you are lucky enough to find it, do your best to make it through. Classic TV doesn't get any better than this!
Then there's Bill Hayes ("Days of Our Lives") as the jester and Ken Berry and Shani Wallis as star crossed lovers who are bound to remain single by the queen's edict. A bouncy score, funny script and family friendly atmosphere make this a must, although there's a bit of tongue in cheek for those who find the phrase "family friendly" a distasteful description. While the print qualities of this that circulate are often weak, if you are lucky enough to find it, do your best to make it through. Classic TV doesn't get any better than this!