The Royal Ballet Company brings Squirrel Nutkin, Tom Thumb, Hunca Munca, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Pigling Bland, and Pigwig to the screen doing pirouettes and pas de deux in this filmed ballet production directed by Reginald Mills. The film more properly belongs, however, to choreographer Frederick Ashmore, composer John Lanchbery, and costume designer Rostislav Douboujinsky. This literal adaptation concerns the shy Beatrix Potter and how, when all of the toy animals in her room come to life, she emerges from her shell and begins to enjoy life. Sequences include a rowdy dance with Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca destroying a collection of plaster food, a midnight pas de deux between Pigling Bland and Pigwig, and a corps de ballet of dancing mice.
Frederick Ashton
as Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
Alexander Grant
as Pigling Bland / Peter Rabbit
Julie Wood
as Mrs. Tittlemouse
Keith Martin
as Johnny Townmouse
Ann Howard
as Jemina Puddleduck
Bob Mead
as Fox
Garry Grant
as Alexander
Sally Ashby
as Mrs. Pettitoes / Tabitha
