I really cannot explain why, but I have always had an odd fascination with the story of Peter Pan, and even more so in the life of J.M. Barrie. I don't know if it's because I never grew up (a classic case Peter Pan Syndrome) or just because I refused to lose my imagination, as most adults are forced to do. Either way, I was enamored by the film "Finding Neverland" and Johnny Depp's wonderful performance as Barrie. But as much as I touted how good of a film it was, little did I know that that there was an earlier BBC version of Barrie's life that came out in 1978.

Thanks to a recent Koch Vision DVD release, I have been introduced to this wonderful gem of a mini-series. Directed by Rodney Bennett, with a screenplay by Andrew Birkin, "The Lost Boys" offers a far richer, and slightly more realistic version of Barrie's life and work. Birkin adapted the screenplay from his book, 'J.M. Barrie & The Lost Boys: The Love Story That Gave Birth to Peter Pan.' His meticulous research included poring over Barrie's notebooks, correspondence and letter with the Llewelyn Davies family (who were his greatest muses), and hours of recorded interviews. I read the book several years ago and found it to be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.

While the story of "Peter Pan" is as a whole a rather light-hearted tale, it is not without its moments of poignancy. Such as when Peter comes to visit Wendy near the end of the book and finds a grown up woman with children of her own. It is almost tragic in its twist. Sadly, the relationship between Barrie and the Llewelyn family, which on the surface might seem a happy one, was also rife with tragic consequences.

The mini-series that was adapted from the book leaves little in the way of unturned stones, and captures as much of Barrie's life as can be bound within a three hour telling. To be honest, after watching it I found myself wishing it were longer. In part because the story is so enthralling, but more because of actor Ian Holm's terrific portrayal of Barrie. I loved Depp's performance (as I generally do), but Holm captured Barrie's underlying sadness and well-intentioned actions with what could only be called perfection.

Admittedly I had long been a fan of Holm's work, long before he shot to fame with his portrayal of Bilbo Baggins in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Holm has been acting professionally since the 1950's, but was first brought to my attention as the android 'Ash' in "Alien." At the time, I did not realize the depth of his talents, thinking it was more of a one hit role for him. It wasn't until a few years later that I learned he was a consummate character actor. Easily at home playing the demented android as he was Napolean in "Time Bandits", Holm proved his mettle over the years in films as diverse as "Greystoke", "Brazil" and "The Fifth Element." He even portrayed Lewis Carroll in the far too overlooked "Dreamchild."

"The Lost Boys", I fear, will also be overlooked. Most will hear the title and think it is the vampire film starring Corey Haim, others will dismiss it as highbrow BBC blather. In both cases, they will be wrong. It is a richly drawn, wonderfully produced piece of art and history. This mini-series will be recommended as strongly by me, if not more so, as "Finding Neverland" has been over the years. I only hope enough of you out there listen.

Directed by: Rodney Bennett
Starring: Ian Holm
Extras: Interview with writer Andrew Birkin, Photo Gallery
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Koch Vision
Release Date: 6/6/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Lost Boys an A..