Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television...

Buy This Item Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television... by Image Entertainment  Available from Amazon  $10.49  on 11-14-2008     In this enchanting musical delight from the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, beautiful young Cinderella (Julie Andrews) finds her life of drudgery at the hands of her stepmother and two wicked sisters changed forever in one evening, thanks to a fairy godmother and a handsome prince. Lost for years, this first television production of this enduring classic remains a rollicking, tune-filled delight for young and old alike! One of the most beloved entertainers of all time, Academy Award«-winner Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music) appeared in theaters this year in the smash hits Shrek 2 and The Princess Diaries 2. The much-revered musical team of Rodgers & Hammerstein produced such family favorites as The King and I, The Sound of Music, Carousel, South Pacific, State Fair and more! One of home video's most highly requested titles, Cinderella has been officially unavailable since its initial airing on March 31, 1957! This single performance spectacular was viewed by over 115 million people, a television milestone! Musical performances include beloved favorites "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible" and "Do I Love You (Because You're Beautiful)!" In 1957, Broadway's reigning songwriters and Broadway's brightest new star joined forces to create a new musical version of Cinderella; it's one-night-only broadcast on CBS-TV was viewed by more than 115 million people - the largest audience in the history of the planet! - and an instant legend was born. Julie Andrews, the toast of Broadway for her performance in My Fair Lady, played the title role, joined by a stellar cast of Broadway and television all-stars. Providing a new take on the timeless tale as well as a bounty of beautiful ballads, comedy numbers and waltzes, was the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, already at the top of their game thanks to such musicals as Oklahoma, South Pacific and The King and I. Though Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella has gone through several TV remakes and hundreds of stage productions, the original, magical version vanished after its initial broadcast, never to be seen again. Until now. Reader Reviews Because I had read other reviewers comments about this version of Cinderella being far superior to the other versions, I decided to purchase my own copy of the DVD. I didn't check to see if it was available to rent at one of the local video stores, because I know that it's only recently been restored for viewing after many years. But I didn't mind spending a little money on this much praised movie, because with so many positive comments about it, I just figured I was investing in a small piece of American history. Besides that, I just wanted to be able to make up my own mind about it compared to the other versions. I've loved Julie Andrews in other movies such as "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music". Don't get me wrong. I'm not a Julie Andrews basher; I'm a fan. But I consider this version of Cinderella a let down, especially after all of the praise about it. I'm not sorry I purchased the movie; in fact, I'm proud to own it. This is because after learning that it was shown one time on television, filmed before a live audience and viewed that one night by millions of people, I can have nothing but the utmost respect for Ms. Andrews and the entire cast. I know that only the best of talent could do something of that magnitude. But I beg to differ with the reviewer who commented that Julie Andrews is the only Cinderella. Oh no she is NOT! On the contrary, despite the fact that Andrews was only about 18 when she made this movie, she looked too old for that part. Leslie Ann Warren (in the 1965 version) was far more vibrant, far younger looking and far prettier. Quite simply, Warren just LOOKED more like Cinderella than Andrews did. I'm a huge fan of black and white movies, but I feel the magic of "Cinderella" is lost when viewed this way. Yes, Julie Andrews singing is superior to Leslie Ann Warren's, but this doesn't take away from the fact that Warren did a fine job singing as well. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't realize Warren could sing so well. Jon Cypher also sang well and made a very engaging prince in the original movie, but he's no match for Stuart Damon. Damon was some SERIOUS eye candy in the 1965 movie, had a beautiful voice, and as far as I'm concerned, is the ONLY prince for Cinderella! I admit that the 1965 version had the benefit of being filmed in color, without a live audience and with newer technology. Still, I found the 1957 version of Cinderella flat and boring. I called myself saving the best for last, viewing Brandy's first, Warren's second and Julie's (the ultimate) last to finalize my Cinderella viewing pleasure. The 1957 movie was not only a little difficult on the eyes (yes, I know it was done in kinescope picture and sound) but it also put me to sleep - in the daytime. The cast, singing and acting ability are no better in the original than they are in the other versions. Also, contrary to some of the other reviewers opinions, the cast, singing and acting in the Brandy Norwood/Whitney Houston version of Cinderella is great too. Obviously the Brandy/Whitney version won't go down in history the way the original did. But it's a fun interpretation of the story and far more visually stimulating and beautiful than the original. This is true of the 1965 movie as well. All three versions of Cinderella boast a wealth of talented artists with acting and vocal ability who do great justice to the lovely music of Rogers and Hammerstein. Overall, I really think all of the pomp and circumstance about the Julie Andrews version of Cinderella has more to do with nostalgia than anything else. Most of the people who love it so much and think it's so superior probably just saw that version before any of the later ones. I'm sure the evening of March 31, 1957 was a magical night for them and millions of others as they watched the story of Cinderella come to life on television along with the beautiful music of Rogers and Hammerstein. But that's all it is people - pure nostalgia. If you enjoy the story of Cinderella as much as myself, do yourself a favor and see all three versions with Julie Andrews, Leslie Ann Warren and Brandy Norwood - then make up your own mind. But for me, the winner of the Cinderella award goes to the 1965 version with Leslie Ann Warren. That one gets my vote!

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television... Available from Amazon Price: $10.49 Updated on 11-14-2008.

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