“PETER PAN” AS A LEGACY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1929, Page 6

“PETER PAN” AS A LEGACY

Sir James Barrie’s gift to the largest children’s hospital in England of the copyright of “Peter Pan” has a universal Interest, for the play belongs not to Britain, but to the world. When lie finished it in 1904 he was doubtful whether this “dream-child” of his. as he called it, would be a commercial success, and he made this offer to Charles Erohman, the American producer, that if he would stage “Peter Pan” he could present another new play, which would be sure to compensate him for his loss. The second play was “Alice-Sit-by-the-Fire.” “Peter Pail” was produced in London in December, 1904, and the other in April, 1904, but whereas “Alice” was a comparative failure, “ Peter Pan” was destined to become a classic. It has been revived in London every winter since then; it has been produced in the theatres of almost every civilised country—“the rapture of children, the joy of old age,” says an American critic; and the name of the boy who nevei grew no is a household word. Nothing more appropriate than the gilt , ol the profit from this play to a children » hospital can be imagined. The A met ican critic quoted above says there is no reason why it should not he as popuLu 100 years hence as to-dav. Unfortunately for the hospital, the copylight will expire fifty years after the author’s death, hut we may feel certain that during that period the rights will biing ; in a substantial income.