Ep 3. The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Faerie Tale Theatre was a beloved anthology series that aired from 1982 to 1987. It featured retellings of classic fairy tales with a star-studded cast and high production values. Season 4 episode 3, "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," tells the story of a town plagued by rats and the mysterious stranger who comes to their rescue.

In this episode, the town of Hamelin is overrun by rats. Their constant presence has caused a nuisance to the point where the citizens cannot even enjoy a meal or sleep peacefully without being disturbed by the scurrying pests. The mayor, played by John Cleese, is at his wits' end and offers a large reward to anyone who can rid the town of the rat infestation.

Enter the Pied Piper, played by Eric Idle. He is a whimsical and quirky character, dressed in colorful rags and playing a magical flute. The Pied Piper promises to rid the town of the rats in exchange for the reward money. Skeptical but desperate, the mayor agrees.

The Pied Piper begins to play his flute, and to the amazement of everyone, the rats are drawn toward him and follow him out of the town. Overjoyed by their newfound freedom, the citizens celebrate and thank the Pied Piper for his help. However, the mayor reneges on his promise and refuses to pay the Pied Piper his well-deserved reward.

Furious at the mayor's betrayal, the Pied Piper decides to get his revenge. He begins playing his flute once again, but this time, the sound he produces is different. Instead of drawing the rats, the music calls forth all the children of Hamelin. As they are lured away by the Pied Piper's enchanting and hypnotic tune, their parents frantically search for them.

The citizens of Hamelin soon realize the extent of their mistake. They have underestimated the Pied Piper, and now their children have disappeared, taken away by the Pied Piper's magical powers. Desperate for their safe return, they beg the Pied Piper to bring back their children. He promises to do so if they pay him the reward money that was promised to him.

In the end, the Pied Piper returns the children to the town, and the citizens finally pay him his reward. He then disappears as mysteriously as he appeared, leaving the town of Hamelin to ponder the power of music and the consequences of breaking promises.

Overall, this episode of Faerie Tale Theatre offers a unique and quirky take on the classic tale of the Pied Piper. It delivers a valuable message about the importance of keeping one's promises while also providing humor and charm through its star-studded cast and fantastical elements. Fans of classic fairy tales and whimsy alike are sure to enjoy this episode of Faerie Tale Theatre.