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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of the all-time FAERIE TALE THEATRE greats!, November 9, 2004
THE NIGHTINGALE is one of the all-time greatest episodes of FAERIE TALE THEATRE, featuring great performances, expert direction by Ivan Passer and a heartbreaking musical score.
The Emperor of Cathay (Mick Jagger) lives in a porcelain palace with his courtiers completely cut off from his people. When he hears about a magical bird called the Nightingale and it's exquisite song, he demands an audience with it. The Kitchen Maid (Barbara Hershey) swiftly leads the Prime Minister (Edward James Olmos) to the bird. When the Nightingale sings for the Emperor, it immediately gladdens his heart and giving nature.
But when a mechanical version of the Nightingale is given to the Emperor, he quickly dismisses the real bird. Now ill and close to death, the Emperor needs the love and companionship of the real Nightingale more than ever...
Featuring strong performances all around. Co-starring Bud Cort as the Master of Imperial Music. Look closely and you'll spot Anjelica Huston and Jerry Hall as the fairies Primrose and Pansy.
Highly-recommended
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Possibly the most bizarre "Faerie Tale Theatre" entry, May 17, 2010
SPOILERS FOLLOW Faerie Tale Theatre's "The Nightingale" works on many levels and would probably be rated at least PG (even at the outside PG-13), if it were a conventional movie. With a star-laden cast including Mick Jagger, Barbara Hershey, and Edward James Olmos it is one of the most ambitious, mature entries in the series. Mick Jagger(he of the rock band The Rolling Stones), plays the jaded Emperor of Cathay and is genuinely solid in the role. Except for his dark hair, Mr. Jagger is unrecognizable in his Eastern dress and hair extensions. It IS a little jarring to hear him plainly using his British accent when one considers that Cathay is an archaic name for China. Edward James Olmos is his shifty lieutenant, and Barbara Hershey is the beautiful good Kitchen Maid who discovers the legendary nightingale, later put to use for the Emperor's listening pleasure. The animatronic bird(with Shelley Duvall's voice)needs to be consciously overlooked and forgiven. The tonal versatility of this production is impressive, as it is effective as a satire on royalty because 'The Emperor of All Cathay' is often barely speaking to five people in one room. It also highlights the inevitably sterile quality of royal life compared to the unpredictability of nature, represented by the variances of the nightingale's song. There is even a subtle horror element, as the sick emperor is tormented by the vision of a warlike demon. Also starring Asian actors Mako("Sidekicks") and Keye Luke("Gremlins") Faerie Tale Theatre's "The Nightingale" is very, very good. However, use caution when deciding how age-appropriate it is for younger children. It is unapologetically mature.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faerie Tale Theatre: The Nightingale, February 11, 2004
This review is from: Faerie Tale Theatre - The Nightingale [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Mick Jagger stars as the Emperor of Cathay in this beautiful and lavish production from Faerie Tale Theatre. It's one of the most touching faerie tales, and it turns out to be one of the best episodes from this series. Jagger turns in an excellent performance as the Emperor, and Barbara Hershey is absolutely charming as the loyal kitchen maid. A spellbinding episode that is one of my favourites.
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