‘Emotional’ screening for family of JM Barrie

RElAtivEs will wAtCh first film ADAptAtion oF PEtEr PAn

The Angus family of JM Barrie are preparing to make an emotional visit to Dundee tonight to watch the first film adaptation of his tale of the boy who never grew up.

Elizabeth Baillie, 53, from Brechin, who is a blood relative of the Kirriemuir playwright, said it will be wonderful to see the 1924 Peter Pan silent adventure on the big screen.

She will be joined at the screening by her father Archibald Arthur Barrie Jamieson, 85, whose grandfather William married Annie Barrie, the first cousin of JM Barrie.

Mr Jamieson, who lives outside Brechin, and his two brothers David, 87, from Arbroath, and Harry, 89, from Kirriemuir, are the closest living blood relatives via this connection.

“When I heard about the screening I thought we had to go because it’s an opportunity that can’t be missed,” said Mrs Baillie.

“I’m very excited about it and I’m going to find it very emotional.

“Barrie is spoken about very fondly in the family and we’ve followed in his footsteps throughout the years.

“We’ve visited many real-life places with a connection to Barrie and the story of Peter Pan including Balnaboth, where Barrie holidayed in the 1920s and 1930s.

“It’s really quite something that there are so many relatives living so close to where he was born and brought up – especially with uncle Harry and his wife still living in Kirriemuir.

“My granny and her parents are also buried just beside Barrie’s grave in Kirriemuir Cemetery.

“My daughter Sarah is 25 and she’s the next generation. Sarah’s always been a big fan of Peter Pan and we took her to the Peter Pan ride at Disneyland Paris when she was younger.

“We are all very proud of our link to JM Barrie and it’s wonderful that he’s still so beloved in his home town after all these years.

“His work is his legacy and also all he did for Kirriemuir.”

The classic black and white silent film which has since been fully restored will be screened at the Caird Hall.

Picture: Paul Reid. Relatives of JM Barrie Archie Jamieson, Elizabeth Baillie, back, and Jean Jamieson are looking forward to their visit to the Caird Hall.