Androcles and the Lion (1967 film)

Androcles and the Lion is a 1967 American TV film. It is a musical adaptation of the George Bernard Shaw play Androcles and the Lion.[1]

It was adapted by Peter Stone and directed by Joe Layton. The songs were by Richard Rodgers.

Plot

Androcles, a simple-hearted Christian tailor, becomes friends with a lion by removing a thorn from his paw. Later the lion saves Androcles and his friends from martyrdom in the Roman Colosseum.

Cast

Production

Stone said "It is amazing how many opportunities the play offers for musical comedy. I have added no new scenes although there are certain expasions to allow for musicalization. And I have not created any new characters. Shaw, who wrote the play 52 years ago, used contemporary language. There are no anachronisms and the jokes he used were modern.""[1]

The Shaw estate had to approve any changes to the text.[2]

Reception

The Los Angeles Times called it "toothless".[3] The New York Times said it "took unhappy toll of varied talents" and "wavered diconcertingly in its indecision over whether to be serious or to have fun" with a "lack of light touch in the staging".[4]

Songs
  • "Velvet Paws" – Norman Wisdom
  • "Follow in Our Footsteps" - Ed Ames and Chorus
  • "Strangers" – Inga Swenson and John Cullum
  • "Strength Is My Weakness" – Norman Wisdom and Ed Ames
  • "The Emperor’s Thumb" – Noel Coward
  • "No More Waiting" – Inga Swenson and John Cullum
  • "The Arena Pantomime" – Norman Wisdom and Orchestra
  • "Don’t Be Afraid Of An Animal" – Noel Coward and Norman Wisdom

References
  1. ANDROCLES'S LION TO ROAR TO MUSIC: N.B.C. To Present Shaw Play With a Rodgers Score By VAL ADAMS. New York Times 6 Sep 1966: 79.
  2. Shaw Did Write 'Tootsie-Wootsie' By GLORIA STEINEM. New York Times 12 Nov 1967: 155.
  3. TV REVIEWS: 'Dial M' and 'Androcles' Highlight of Special Night Los Angeles Times 17 Nov 1967: c24.
  4. TV: Musical 'Androcles' By JACK GOULD. New York Times 16 Nov 1967: 95.
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