When it comes to literary heroines, Pippi Longstocking is in a class of her own. Created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, The Girl Without Fear made her first appearance in 1945 and for the last 79 years has inspired the imagination of children all over the world – yours truly included. There was just something about a child who relied on her own power and wit rather than rushing for the opinions of adults that spoke to me – similar to the way Punky Brewster has.

Pippi has been adapted for television, short stories, animation, and a little-known 1988 American feature film The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking. written and directed by Ken Annakin (The Swiss Family Robinson, The Pirate Movie) the film starred Eileen Brennan (Private Benjamin), Dick Van Patten (Eight is Enough), and introduced Tami Erin as the titular Pippi Longstocking. 

Lindgren was persuaded to allow a US film, as a way to counter the violence on American film and television. However, upon seeing the film, she hated it. 

Grossing just over $3 million, the film was a box office flop. But it did have charms. Erin was charming in her role and despite the harshness of critics at the time, embodied the spirit of Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Efraim’s Daughter “Pippi” Longstocking. 

With songs and score by Misha Segal, there is something incredibly fun about the soundtrack.

Originally released on CD and vinyl through Atlantic Records, the 22-track album included all 6 musical numbers and 16 tracks of score. Long out of print, Segal has released a re-mastered/extended version of the album is currently available on all streaming platforms – including Qobuz, which can be purchased as a glorious 24-Bit/44.1 kHz .FLAC file for your uncompressed listening pleasure.

There’s something to say about the talent that is Misha Segal. 35 years later since the film/soundtracks were released these songs still have the same magic for me, as an adult, that they did when I was a child. Pippi Longstocking, in both print and film, is a part of my core memories. Even today, I will randomly find myself singing along to “Scrubbing Day” while I’m cleaning or “Runnin’ Away” whenever I’m in need of escaping a “Sticky Situation”. Also, “Merry Christmas Tree” is a part of every holiday playlist and when I am writing, I’ll often have the score playing in the background for inspiration.

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More Soundtrack Reviews soon so…

Stay Tuned!