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Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production)
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| Item Number |
85668 |
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Item description for Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production) by Julie Andrews...
The DVD era has unearthed another treasure. For the first time ever, Julie Andrews's performance in the title role of the original 1957 television production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is available to the public on home video. Cinderella was created as a Broadway-style television production with an original score from the creators of Oklahoma! and Carousel, featuring such songs as "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful," and "Stepsisters' Lament." Cast in the title role was the 21-year-old Andrews, at the time starring on Broadway in My Fair Lady (another Cinderella story of sorts), and the cast was filled out by a talented bunch of stage veterans (including Kaye Ballard, Edie Adams, Dorothy Stickney, and Stickney's husband, writer Howard Lindsay). On March 31, 1957, a then-record 120 million homes saw the program as it was broadcast, live and in color, but it was preserved only in black-and-white kinescope, i.e., by aiming a camera at a monitor during the broadcast. While this version probably looks better than we have any right to expect, the picture is still fuzzy black-and-white, which makes it a tougher sell for kids than the later color versions, 1965 with Lesley Anne Warren and the 1997 Disneyized version. But give older kids (say, 8 or so) credit for being able to look past the black-and-white picture and primitive effects and enjoy the charming songs, the excellent performances, and the prospect of seeing one of their favorite actresses play one of their favorite princesses. Fortunately, the DVD has also received the attention it deserves, with a new introduction by Andrews, a 20-minute featurette about the production, including interviews with many of the principals; Rodgers and Hammerstein's appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show a week before the broadcast; and a gallery of color photos of the production as well as promotional material, which included paper dolls of Andrews. --David Horiuchi
Description
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.
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Item Specifications...
Actors: Julie Andrews, Ilka Chase, Edie Adams, Howard Lindsay, Dorothy Stickney
Directors: Ralph Nelson
Writers: Oscar Hammerstein II
Producers: Richard Lewine
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Language: English
Region Code: 1 (USA & Canada Only)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Image Entertainment
Running Time: 77.00 minutes
Record Label Image Entertainment
Format Black & White / Closed-captioned / DVD /
Dimensions: Length: 7.5" Width: 5.3" Height: 0.6"
Weight: 0.25 lbs.
Binding DVD Video
Release Date Mar 1, 2008
Publisher WORD ACCT# W41160193
ISBN 001249397X
ISBN13 0014381212723
UPC 014381212723
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Availability 10 units.
Availability accurate as of Feb 09, 2012 05:51.
Usually ships within one to two business days from Woodland, CA.
Orders shipping to an address other than a confirmed Credit Card / Paypal Billing address may incur and additional processing delay.
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Reviews - What do customers think about Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production)?
 | Don't Believe 'Em - Julie Andrews is NOT the only Cinderella! Jan 13, 2008 |
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! | | |  | Not the best quality dvd, but a great movie just the same. Dec 6, 2007 |
Ok. So this version is old. It was also a live, made for tv special. So if you are expecting a perfectly orchastrated masterpiece, look somewhere else.
I grew up watching the version with Leslie Ann Warren and had always hoped to find the same movie with the same songs and without Warren's grating voice. I was so glad to find Julie Andrews singing them in this version!
Again, the recording value is not great, but the roughness of it gives it a charm that I find many musicals lacking. Also, the prince in this one is much hotter. The scene where they meet in the ballroom seems much more natural and less "fantasy-based" than in other Cinderella films.
Give it a try and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. | | | | Great Aug 26, 2007 |
| It was perfect. i could watch it as a whole or just select my favorite songs. I loved it | | | | A WISH IS GRANTED--BIG TIME!! Jul 31, 2007 |
Some benevolent show business/entertainment godmother granted a big-time wish when this Original 1957 Version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "CINDERELLA" was finally released on DVD. I purchased this multiple times to give as gifts at Christmas in 2004. I know people have very fond memories of the later 1964 videotaped remake starring Lesley Ann Warren. The fact that some people actually prefer the later remake to this original absolutely boggles my mind!!! It is now time for a serious reality/fairy tale/musical theatre check, people!!
This original version will be best appreciated by those who love live theatre as opposed to tacky and tasteless, kitschy TV specials. Some people are put off by the fact that this original is in black and white. Well, the best live-action fairy tale film of all time, Jean Cocteau's 1946 "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST" is in black and white. And this black and white "CINDERELLA" positively glows with a charm that is completely absent from the 1964 and 1997 (with pop music Princess Brandy Norwood and Ultra-Divas Whitney Houston and Bernadette Peters) color TV remakes.
Keep in mind that CBS TV Network comissioned and Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote this musical especially for Julie Andrews, who was a mere 22 years old at the time. And here is Julie Andrews, amazingly poised, polished, and professional as the beloved fairy tale herione. Julie Andrews exudes star quality. Poor Lesley Ann comes across as a semi-talented amateur, desperately trying to prove that she is up to the challenge. By 1964, Hammerstein's superb libretto had been replaced by a vastly inferior script by Joseph Schrank, so Lesley Ann didn't get much help. The embarassingly amateurish, tacky, tasteless script, costumes, overall production, don't do Lesley Ann any favors.
The best roles in this original 1957 production belong to comediannes Kaye Ballard and Alice Ghostly as Stepsters Portia and Joy. Ballard, in particular, almost steals the show from Andrews. Edie Adams makes a surprisingly practical Godmother. She doesn't so much grant Cinderella's wish. Rather, she facilitates Cinderella's strong inner drive and desires. Theatre vetreans Howard Lindsey and Dorothy Stickney portray the King and Queen as parents who are deeply concerned for the happiness of their son Prince Christopher. Jon Cypher, virtually unknown at the time, appears understandably nervous and occasionally flustered in his debut role as Prince Christopher. Remember, this "CINDERELLA" was done as a LIVE theatre musical seen by an estimated audience of 107 million people. Cypher is certainly handsome, sings beautifully, and appears properly enchanted by Andrews. Cypher does stumble on the staircase while chasing her at midnight, but this gives the scene reality.
In the "Making Of" featurette, Cypher laments jumping ahead of the orchestra in his reprise of "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?", and cutting Stickney off, but that's live theatre for you. In the "Making Of" featurette, Cypher, Andrews, Adams, and Ballard all recall the insanity of live television (Adams admits she thought the show would be "the biggest train wreck in the history of show business") and all speak of their admiration for Howard Lindsey and Dorothy Stickney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Photo galleries reveal scenes in color and even promotional "JULIE ANDREWS PAPER DOLLS!"
The segment of Rodgers & Hammerstein on "The Ed Sullivan Show" one week prior to the show reveals the cracks in their partnership. The two men are standing next to each other and obviiouly are still miles apart. But "CINDERELLA"
remains their last great score. Hammerstein died two years later, nine months after the Broadway premiere of "THE SOUND OF MUSIC."
Rodgers and Hammerstein's score is the best one "CINDERELLA" ever had. With songs like "My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/Possible", "Ten Minutes Ago", "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?", "Stepsisters' Lament" and "A Lovely Night", who, of any age, isn't enraptured?
It is absolutely amazing that the entire show was performed LIVE. It certainly is not a self-contained production. Scenes occur in the town square, various locations in town, Cinderella's house (interior), Cinderella's garden, (exterior),
the Palace Dressing Rooms, Ball Room, and Gardens. The production also employs several large staircases the cast has to dance on and run up and down-- and let's not forget the "magical" transformations that are so integral to the story. The fact that this production does it all in a brisk 77 minutes (minus the commercials) makes you believe that impossible things actually are happening every day!
Most importantly, Hammerstein's original libretto (subsequently adapted and used for countless stage presentations) is the classiest treatment the fairy tale ever received. Cinderella is not portrayed here as a miss who sits weeping by the fire waiting for someone to rescue/help her (Lesley Ann's later Cinderella reverts to that helpless behavior). As played by Julie Andrews, she is an active participant in shaping her own destiny. By the time her godmother appears, she is already on the road to self-actualization. Her godmother wisely warns that the danger in believing in fairies and guardian angels is you get into the habit of depending on them too much. Cinderella herself tells her godmother exactly how to transform the pumpkin, mice, rats, etc. Outside the Palace, the godmother tells her, "How your wish turns out is up to you!" Later, perhaps taking this as a cue, Cinderella leaves her house and hides in the Palace Gardens, waiting for her glass slipper fitting. Cinderella is arrested for plotting to "capture the Prince." The Godmother suggest that before she is thrown in jail, the guard try the glass slipper on Cinderella as a joke-- all clever variations and turns to the familiar tale.
Because the central theme in this "CINDERELLA" is self-actualization, I often watch this when I'm depressed.
It always uplifts me!
An interesting side note of trivia: :Julie Andrews. of course, achieved movie superstardom just a few years later as Maria in the 1965 film version of Rodgers And Hammerstein's "THE SOUND OF MUSIC." Lesley Ann Warren auditioned for the role of Liesl, that went to Charmian Carr. Years later, Julie Andrews and Lesley Ann Warren appeared together in the 1982 film comedy "VICTOR-VICTORIA"; for which both "Former Cinderellas" received Academy Award nominations. | | |  | ...A little disappointing. 1964 TV production was better. Jun 2, 2007 |
| Julie Andrews is wonderful but this TV production was very early and primitive and the supporting cast (stepsisters, prince in particular) is not as strong as the very funny 1964 production. | | | Write your own review about Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production)
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