High Tor
High Tor is a 1936 play by Maxwell Anderson. Twenty years after the original production, Anderson adapted it into a television musical with Arthur Schwartz. Anderson first considered a musical adaptation of High Tor for television in 1949. He and John Monks Jr. adapted the play as a made-for-television musical fantasy in 1955, with music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Anderson. High Tor was filmed in November 1955 by Desilu Productions at the RKO-Pathé Studio and broadcast March 10, 1956 on the CBS television network, as a 90-minute episode of the series Ford Star Jubilee. Bing Crosby, Julie Andrews, Nancy Olson, Hans Conreid, and Keenan Wynn starred in the film, produced by Arthur Schwartz, and directed by James Neilson.
Critics Sentiment
Julie Andrews appears as spirit of Dutch sailor's daughter
Bing refuses to sell High Tor ending their engagement
The biggest jump occurs when Julie Andrews first appears as the Dutch spirit, lifting the production from its slowest paced dramatic moments to its most praised performance.
High Tor receives consistent praise for Julie Andrews' dazzling film debut and Bing Crosby's effortless charm, with their musical performances and Maxwell Anderson's lyrics standing out despite primitive production values. While critics note pacing issues and a jumbled plot mixing mysticism, environmentalism, and slapstick comedy, the unusual combination remains engaging throughout. The production succeeds primarily on the strength of its two leads and memorable songs, even as reviewers acknowledge its technical limitations as early television.
Full cast
Bing Crosby
Van Van Dorn
Julie Andrews
Lise
Nancy Olson
Judith
Everett Sloane
DeWitt
Hans Conried
Biggs
Lloyd Corrigan
Skimmerhorn
Dan Barton
Buddy
Robert Foulk
Elkus
James Gavin
Patsy
Kay E. Kuter
Dope
Charles Meredith
Biggs Sr.
George N. Neise
Budge
John Pickard
Captain
Micheal Miller
Pieter
Jack Pepper
1st Sailor
Richard Keene
2nd Sailor
Bobby Jordan
3rd Sailor
Lee Turnbull
4th Sailor
Crew
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