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OK, so this "movie" was filmed on a sound stage; the "props" are spartan; the "special effects" are simplistic; and the actors do not exude our modern standards of Hollywood beauty (no blindingly white straight teeth, etc.). These are all entirely beside the point. After all, we all know the "story"; there is no suspense here. Any Rodgers & Hammerstein production is about the music, right? And, OH, the music! Like all (most) R&H musicals, the music never gets old, and with this version of "Cinderella," these non-professional singers pull off the memorable songs believably with passion and enthusiasm. Moreover, this production holds a special place in the hearts of tens of millions of people due to it being shown on American TV (and elsewhere?) annually for many years following its debut in the mid-1960s. It was one of those cultural "happenings" that people planned for and brought families together around the home's one TV set. Ask any American over age (about) 45, and they will have the fondest of memories of this film. So while the movie might not "live up to" modern standards of cinema, it will entirely live up to all of the memories of our childhood. And, I predict, most youngsters under the age of 10 -- without the cynicism of judging films by their so-called "production values" -- will love this movie just as much. Ginger Rogers received top (first) billing in the small role of The Queen -- no doubt due to her name recognition and status in Hollywood. Pity that the film captures only seconds of her dancing with The King (Walter Pidgeon) at the ball -- a much wasted opportunity in my opinion. (What WAS the director thinking?? This is Ginger Rogers, after all!) The stepmother and step-sisters are fantastically rendered by accomplished actresses and will long live in your memory. But this is the film that introduced 18-year-old Leslie Ann Warren to the world. An inspired choice: her enthusiasm shows through clearly in her eyes -- a feature not seen in the other film productions of "Cinderella." And any viewer who does not verbally comment on "that dress" and "that neck"!! --are simply NOT paying attention. In summary: this "movie" (basically more of a "filmed play") should be judged on the "production values" it designed for itself, without reference to anything else. In that context, it is a national treasure. It is a great film for parents (or grandparents) to watch with their (grand)children. And if you remember this movie from TV in the 1960s or 1970s -- be prepared for tidal waves of nostalgia to wash over you. It is worth any amount of money you have to pay to possess it.Read full review
WONDERFUL!!! I bought two and gave one to my granddaughters and they L-O-V-E-D it!!! I bought this product because I've always had very fond memories from when I was a little girl looking forward each year to watching this program. The magical wonder of having an actual princess in my living room was so special. No animation or special CGI effects, real people, wonderful choreography, sweet love story, beautiful costumes, the songs are wonderful (of Course) and the actors are especially believable. Now I can share it with my daughter and grandkids. This production should still be shown at least annually! It's THE best Cinderella of all time. ALL little girls need to see this particular princess. Too bad it has never been re-engineered and converted to DVD.
At the time this TV movie was produced, I was a preteen girl who also functioned as the unpaid family servant. (I was quite willing to do my share, just not everyone's.)I was, also, the literal "punching bag" for both parents & a sibling who couldn't deal with life's frustrations any other way. Seeing an exploited, abused person break free of her chains gave me hope. The music was COMFORTING and the entire production entertaining. I LOVED IT THEN, I LOVE IT NOW. Our 2 beautiful, well treated children do also. Thank you.
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER BETTER CINDERELLA!!! THE FEELING YOU GET WHEN YOU WATCH THIS MOVIE IS AMAZING!!! I CAN REMEMBER SITTING IN FRONT OF THE TV WAITING FOR THIS MOVIE TO START AND THE COMMERCIALS WOULD DRIVE ME NUTS WITH ANTICIPATION!!! BUY IT IF YOU CAN IT IS WELL WORTH IT!!! WHEN I WATCH THIS FANTASTIC MOVIE I FEEL THAT NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. I THINK IN TODAYS WORLD WE NEED MORE OF THESE FEEL GOOD MOVIES!!! THE PROPS ARE OLD SCHOOL BUT IF YOU CAN GET PAST THOSE AND JUST ENJOY THE FANTASTIC STORY LINE YOU WILL BE HOOKED!
I was so excited to find the tape Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. This movie brought back wonderful feelings of my childhood. I knew if I was going to find it, it would only be on Ebay. Thanks Ebay!! The process was so simple and I received it within a week. I have watched it several times now already and my daughter who is 12 loves it too! Thanks again for allowing me this opportunity to pass on a wonderful feeling and memory to my daughter.
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