I should clarify that I actually love "Cinderella" stories. I think what I really love is the challenge of how each subsequent version is going to differ from (or somehow outshine) the last one. Each Cinderella story is infused with new things, old things, and just plain bizarre things. In this telling, there is much more emphasis on the prince- after all, Richard Chamberlain is top billed. Unfortunately, the characterization of his prince Edward is no different from any other fictional depiction of royalty: born of privilege, but hating it and wanting to live like 'regular people.' (If these were actual royal figures, such a wish would never commence.) The story also expands roughly a half hour beyond the glass slipper finding its rightful owner, and for me this dragged the film out considerably. Nevertheless, it's still the quintessential fairy story.

Yet I am amazed that so many posters hail it as some sort of Kirousawa-like masterpiece. Is this because it's a British film? We always seem to rate European films just a little higher than American ones, calling them high art and so forth. And as critical as so many are especially about musical films recently- RENT, CHICAGO, THE PRODUCERS, and perhaps most acerbically and nastily, DREAMGIRLS- they all seem to turn a deaf ear on this one. I did like the costumes and set pieces, but was not thrilled with most of the Sherman Brothers' score- save two rather exquisite songs. It paces a bit sluggishly and, at 143 minutes, is about 43 minutes too long.

There are two saving graces: One is in the name of Annette Crosbie. Her fairy godmother is a dream and a scream at the same time. Possessing incredibly dry wit and very sly on the subject of magic, it appears that she works with other famous fairy tale heroines (some of whom are referenced throughout the film). Her introduction to Cinderella as a simple, practical woman who shuns the "sparkle and glitter," and seems to want to unionize fairies worldwide, is hilarious. And the rags-to-riches sequence built around the song "Suddenly It Happens" is magical indeed. (How could it not be, with mice that turn into ballet dancers even before they turn into horses?) The other saving grace is the ball: easily some of the most exquisite costumes ever assembled for a period film, all in an amazing rainbow of sherbet-like pastels. The ball sequence is climaxed by a glorious grand waltz, which begins with two dancers on an empty floor, then adds other couples- two and four at a time- joining into the swirling and spinning choreography, until all are waltzing in the same direction and having a marvelous time. A truly breathtaking sequence. I almost wished the film had ended right there.

With "The Slipper and the Rose" you get pretty much what you'd expect....Cinderella. It's also a lovely musical and the songs, while not exactly memorable, are pleasant.

I won't even bother to explain the plot....just about everybody knows it. The story has a few standouts, such as Michael Hordern as the King as well as gorgeous costumes and locations in both the UK and Austria-- all used to create the mythical kingdom of Euphrania. On the negative side, the film is a bit slow...or perhaps deliberately paced. The final portion, in particular, seems to drag way too long. Also the lady who played the fairy godmother didn't have an especially good voice for music. Otherwise, very nice and the sort of story that many will no doubt enjoy. Familiar yet told extremely well.

By the way, I know I am awful for saying this, but I'd love to see a version of "Cinderella" where the step-mother and step-sisters are shown in a dungeon at the end or on a scaffold about to be hung! I know, I know...it's wrong...but it would be a more interesting ending to the story other than the usual happily ever after stuff!

Also, if you do see "The Slipper and the Rose", you will no doubt be a bit weirded out by the song and dance number in the royal crypt...a first no doubt!!

This is definitely underrated. I managed to find this on video and I fell in love with it. It is overlong, and there are discrepancies with the script, but the whole film looks gorgeous, with the lavish costumes and breathtaking scenery. The songs are actually really pleasant, but the staging is a bit long, and the whole film unfortunately lacks magic. The performances were very good though. Gemma Craven was a bit too young, but her sweet voice and doll like face gave Cinderella a certain charm. Richard Chamberlain was perfect as the prince, and there is scene-stealing support from Margaret Lockwood, Kenneth More, Michael Horden and Edith Evans.Don't forget Annette Crosbie's funny performance as the Fairy Godmother.There were some touching moments, and the costumes are the main reason, why this movie should be watched. 7/10 Bethany Cox