Hans Brinker

Richard Basehart is wonderful as the crusty doctor who helps Hans' father recover. Cyril Ritchard has a wonderful role as an inn-keeper, and performs a wonderful song with the boys.

Family viewing at its best.

The detail with which 1838 Holland is recreated in this version of the classic "Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates" makes it hard to believe it was made for television. Seldom seen, this should be a Christmas classic, hauled out every year way ahead of many others that are shown repeatedly on television. I watched it for the first time some forty years after it was made, on a crusty old VHS tape that I bought for 25 cents, and it was still beautiful. Containing eight original songs by Moose Charlap, the film boasts two songs sung by Eleanor Parker as the loving mother (she of the baroness in "The Sound of Music"), but they are quite obviously dubbed. ---from Musicals on the Silver Screen, American Library Association, 2013

I watched this as a child and loved it. The opening scene with the dike construction and the kids in their wooden shoes with the sheep has always delighted me. My kids now watch it and love the songs are great and it is hard to believe this was a made for TV show. We really like proper manners scene. The skating is fun to see how the rivers are used in winter for transportation. The story is great and we love the line between the robber and the inn keeper "Hurry, I think these boys have broken my back." "It's a wonder they didn't eat you!". It is a wonderful story with great bits of Holland. It is a definite classic for the family. I would recommend this movie to all my friends.

What was the name of the song the pretty lady was singing at the saint nicholas eve party? can anyone help?

Great period piece. Costumes actually take you back, and make you part of it. Good story line. Hard to find on TV. Keeps eyes open. Now, where was that money stashed..?