Cinderella

The 1957 television production of Cinderella, starring as Cinderella the legendary Julie Andrews, marked a new chapter for the classic tale on American television. However, the network chose to produce another television adaptation a few years later, one that would draw closer to the original narrative while still retaining the essence of the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein score. The new adaptation, which premiered in 1965, saw Lesley Ann Warren take on the role of Cindy, Cinderella's colloquial name. While the television industry had made significant strides since the 1957 production, the new script maintained a level of nostalgia. The traditional tale, penned by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, forms the foundation of this new adaptation. Cindy, the protagonist, is a beautiful and kind-hearted young woman whose life has been turned upside down by the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters, Drizella and Anastasia. Her father, Cinderella's beloved patriarch, has passed away, leaving Cindy and her two spoiled step-sisters at the mercy of their conniving stepmother, Lady Tremaine. In the Tremaine household, Cindy is forced to endure endless chores and is frequently belittled and mistreated by her family. Despite her hardships, Cindy's spirit remains unbroken, and she finds solace in her friendship with the household's kindly mice, Jaq and Gus. The mice, who possess a knack for getting into mischief, often aid Cindy in her daily tasks, providing her with much-needed companionship. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that a grand ball is to be held at the palace, in honor of the arrival of Prince Charming. News of the ball reaches the Tremaine household, and Cindy's stepsisters are over the moon with excitement, knowing that this is an opportunity to meet the handsome prince and potentially secure a wealthy marriage. Meanwhile, Cindy's Fairy Godmother appears, having been watching over the young woman from afar. The benevolent fairy, with a twinkle in her eye and a wave of her wand, transforms a pumpkin into a magnificent golden carriage, complete with horses and a liveried coachman. Cindy is gifted a stunning ball gown and off she goes to the palace, where she captures the attention of the dashing Prince Charming. At the ball, Prince Charming and Cindy dance the night away, their chemistry undeniable. However, as the clock strikes midnight, Cindy must make a hasty exit, leaving behind one of her glass slippers. The Prince, determined to find the mysterious woman whose foot slips into the glass shoe, sets out on a quest to locate her. The ensuing search for Cindy is a highlight of the production, with the Prince and his loyal servant, Bruno, visiting various households in search of the rightful owner of the glass slipper. At each venue, the Prince is either disappointed or deceived, only to be one step closer to finding the love of his life in Cindy. As the story reaches its climax, Cindy and the Prince are finally reunited, and their love becomes the central focus of the narrative. The musical numbers, penned by Rodgers and Hammerstein, are an integral part of the story, providing poignant insight into the characters' emotions and experiences. The addition of the song "Loneliness of Evening," composed for the hit musical South Pacific but left_unused, adds a sense of depth to the production, highlighting Cindy's longing for romance and connection. The 1965 television adaptation of Cinderella, starring Lesley Ann Warren, offers a fresh take on the classic tale, emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion, and above all, the power of true love. This enchanting production, with its blend of music, magic, and memorable performances, remains a timeless classic, captivating audiences to this day.