Watch The Pied Piper

The Pied Piper is a British musical film released in 1972, directed by Jacques Demy and starring Keith Buckley, Patsy Puttnam, and Arthur Hewlett. The movie is set in the medieval town of Hamelin, where the citizens are experiencing a rat infestation, causing them to search for a solution. Keith Buckley plays the titular character of the Pied Piper, a wandering musician who arrives in Hamelin and offers to rid the town of its rat problem. His proposition is accepted by the desperate town officials, but as he begins to play his enchanted pipe, the rats begin to follow him out of the town and into the river, drowning themselves in the process.

However, when the citizens refuse to pay him the agreed-upon amount for his services, the Pied Piper vows to take revenge on the town by luring their children away. Patsy Puttnam plays the role of Lisa, the daughter of the town's mayor who becomes one of the few individuals willing to speak up against the corrupt officials and their mistreatment of the Pied Piper.

As the Pied Piper leads the children out of town, Lisa and her friends set out to find them and attempt to bring them back. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and confrontations, including a band of gypsies and a group of angry townspeople who blame Lisa and her friends for the disappearance of the children.

Arthur Hewlett plays the role of the town crier, providing updates and commentary throughout the film. The movie features original songs composed by the legendary duo of Richard and Robert Sherman, known for their work on many Disney classics such as Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book.

The Pied Piper is a unique coming-of-age story that incorporates elements of fantasy and political commentary. The film explores themes of power, corruption, and societal norms, while also celebrating the power of music and the triumph of the human spirit.

Overall, The Pied Piper is a visually stunning, whimsical, and thought-provoking film that captures the spirit of its source material while also providing a fresh take on the classic tale. The performances are engaging, the music is memorable, and the story is full of surprises and twists that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

The Pied Piper is a 1972 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.