Product: The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella [VHS] (1977)
Rating: 4.0
Engaging Cinderella Story with a Twist
If you are not a fan of musicals, this one is not going to change your mind. But if you can tolerate them at times, or even really enjoy the genre, then you should find much to like about the Slipper and the Rose. It portrays the classic Cinderella tale from the perspective of the Prince, who is determined to marry for love, not for the political advantages his father the King is seeking from his only son's marriage.The castles and scenery, filmed primarily in Austria are beautiful, as are the magnificent costumes. The Sherman Brothers music is marvelous--at times catchy and whimsical, at other times filled with touches of melancholy. The large ensemble cast is first rate, headed by Richard Chamberlain as the Prince, and Gemma Craven, in her film debut, as Cinderella.Having watched this musical several times, I found I appreciated the delightful touches of wit more with each viewing, particularly from the clueless King, played by Michael Horden,and from his nephew Montague, played most amusingly by Julian Orchard. The Fairy Godmother is truly an original, and one of the many highlights, along with her little dog.This was Richard Chamberlain's first musical, but watching him, you would never know it--he inhabits the role of Prince Edward with his usual grace and poise, and the period costumes look, as always, stunning on him. His velvety singing voice, as well as the smooth, flowing way he dances the waltz with Cinderella, may come as a surprise to those who only remember him from his years of portraying Dr. James Kildare.The only drawback to an otherwise top-rate production is the length--at 2 hours and 24 minutes, I think this film is a tad too long. But this is a minor complaint.........I continue to derive great pleasure from this most unique, creative take on the tale of Cinderella.