The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957)
Based on a Robert Browning poem, this is the classic story of innocence lost because of the duplicity of adults. The rhyming folk of Hamelin are in fierce competition with sorrounding towns to the extent that when a neighboring town is flooded they refuse to help them. But rats, seeking refuge from the water, invade Hamelin. Desperate for a solution, the Mayor of Hamelin (Claude Rains) strikes a deal with the Pied Piper (Van Johnson). However, after the Pied Piper saves the town, the mayor and his council welch on the deal. For retribution, the Piper plays his magical flute, leading the town's children to the same fate as he lead the rats.