The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957) Director: Bretaigne Windust Studio: NBC / Hallmark Hall of Fame Starring: Van Johnson (Pied Piper / Truson), Claude Rains (Mayor of Hamelin), Lori Nelson (Mara) Release Date: November 26, 1957 Runtime: 89 minutes Format: Color | Mono | Sound | Musical | Made-for-TV Country: United States Language: English Genres: Musical | Fantasy | Family | Drama | Fairytale Summary: Set in the medieval town of Hamelin, this musical adaptation brings the classic Brothers Grimm tale to life with song, color, and heart. When the town is overrun with rats, a mysterious Piper arrives offering a solution—for a price. After he fulfills his promise, the town refuses to pay, leading to a haunting act of retribution that no one will forget. Van Johnson stars in a dual role as the enigmatic Pied Piper and the kind-hearted schoolteacher Truson, blending charm, sorrow, and quiet wisdom in a musical fable about promises made and the cost of breaking them. Background: Produced as part of the prestigious Hallmark Hall of Fame television series, The Pied Piper of Hamelin was among the earliest full-color made-for-TV musicals. Shot on sound stages with elaborate sets and costumes, it adapted the Robert Browning poem into a full-length musical drama with original songs. Though made for television, the production values were high for the time, and it was broadcast to wide acclaim during Thanksgiving week in 1957. The film has since become a nostalgic favorite for many who saw it during annual holiday airings throughout the 1960s and '70s. Trivia: This adaptation was based on Robert Browning’s 1842 poem rather than the Brothers Grimm version. Van Johnson performs in a rare musical dual role, playing both Truson and the Piper. The film was originally broadcast in color at a time when most households still had black-and-white TVs. Songs were written specifically for this version, blending operetta and Broadway-style influences. The Pied Piper’s costume and flute music were inspired by medieval folklore and early fantasy illustration styles. Often re-aired during the holiday season through the 1960s and early 1970s. Hashtags: #PiedPiperOfHamelin #1957Musical #HallmarkHallOfFame #VanJohnson #ClassicTVMovie #FantasyMusical #RobertBrowning #FairytaleAdaptation #VintageTelevision #ClaudeRains #TVSpecial #ThanksgivingBroadcast #ColorTelevision #GoldenAgeTV #PublicDomainMusical #1950sCinema #MadeForTVMovie