Search - Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production) on DVD

Krista M. (kskrista)
Reviewed on 7/3/2010...

I find this one of the weakest Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals but watching it was fascinating, especially after viewing the Bonus material and learning this was the one and only live recording. Seeing interviews with Rodgers & Hammerstein was fascinating and the interviews with some of the actors was interesting as well.

Apparently this musical was shown in color on live television, but the live recording was done in black and white.

Julie Andrews is the ONLY Cinderella

Jim Jr | Buffalo, NY United States | 12/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is amazing that some people seem to prefer Lesley Ann Warren's performance over Julie Andrews. There is absolutely no comparison. This Cinderella was written for Julie and she is magnificent in every way. No one has the voice or the charm that she injects into this character. Her version of "In My Own Little Corner" is enchanting, but also has a sadness that is absolutely right. Miss Warren is too worldly and gives the impression that she could easily be a "West Side Story" gang member rather than Cinderella. She simply does not have the ravishingly beautiful voice that Julie has. She is marvelous in many roles - just compare her performance in "Victor/Victoria" which shows the "real" Lesley Ann. (But even in that film Julie Andrews outshines her!)

This version of "Cinderella" is the best version with the comic numbers and fantastic supporting cast absent from others. Edie Adams is a scene stealer as the Godmother. The king and Queen have much more to do and have a delightful comic song that was cut from subsequent productions. No one can top Kaye Ballard and Alice Ghostly as the step sisters - comic gems!

What is also amazing about this production is that it was telecast LIVE and was not a film or tape as were other "Cinderella" productions. Today everything is recorded with none of the spontaneity that comes only from a live show.

Even though the only remaining record of this telecast is in black and white (and at the time of the original broadcast most viewers only had black and white sets), it is a must have record of the TRUE version of the work."

LOL Julie Andrews too old?? Not on your life!

C. A Baker | Santa Rosa CA United States | 12/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love that one reviewer says JA looks too old to be Cinderella in this version..I believe she is 18 in this production. What Julie has that Leslie Ann Warren and Brandy couldn't come close to is a simple sophistication and a charming sense of self that only enhances her role as Cinderella. She also has a far superior voice to either of the other versions Cinderellas.

I do not like the 1965 version but I do think the Brandy version is cute but not as good as the original cast. But for me the Julie Andrews version, the woman that this show was written for will always be the best Cinderella for this particular Cinderella musical. The supporting cast in this production is also steller and much better than the 1965 version.
Don't let that fact that it is in black and white keep you from seeing this show. Some of the best movies of all time are in black and white.


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Found at Last!

Joshua Koppel | Chicago, IL United States | 01/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At last, the original version of Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is available. Originally aired only once on live television in 1957, this classic has, until now, been lost to history. I grew up on the 1965 version (Lesley Ann Warren) but have always wanted to see the Julie Andrews version ever since I learned of it.

For those familiar with the 1965 version, there are some surprises here. There were apparently many changes between the two. The original opens up right with "The Prince is Giving a Ball". There is no scene were Cinderella meets the Prince prior to the ball. At home the Stepmother and Stepsisters (Portia and Joy) do a much better job of belittling Cinderella and making her do all of the work.

The Godmother (no mention of fairy) is far more mischievous in the original. Even her involvement in the story's conclusion is quite different not only from the 1965 version, but from most tellings of the fairy tale. We see a little more of the King and Queen and even have a musical number about preparing the Ball. There are even quite a few scenes that, at least when compared to later versions, could be considered somewhat risque.

For fans of the 1965 version, you should watch this one as well. It is sufficiently different to be just as entertaining. First timers to the Rogers and Hammerstein story will be entranced by this fun tale. Watch it by all means."