Cinderella

I've only seen the 1965 version of R&H's Cinderella once.

I'm not sure why it's listed as 1965 as I'm sure I saw it in 1964.

In Melbourne, our fourth TV channel was about to launch (the first three commencing in 1956). I can remember the launch of ATV10 vividly. I used to watch the test pattern before it officially went to air. For much of the time they played the 1957 CBS LP of Cinderella because the "new" version was in their first week of programming.

I was 15 at the time and managed to record the music on reel to reel tape. I loved all Rogers and Hammerstein's productions and immediately was attracted to the music and lyrics. And one could argue that because everyone already knew the story of Cinderella the entire production almost worked in one's own mind by simply listening to that soundtrack.

It was musically so well done in the original 1957 version. Several years later I found the LP and couldn't buy it quick enough.

I saw the "1965" version and was totally absorbed with it. Arguably it was the best cast to ever perform it. So many stars who were all well cast. Particularly Barbara Ruick and Celeste Holme.

The only bit I've ever seen of the 1957 production is a B+W clip of Julie Andrews singing "In my own little corner". My God I wish I'd seen it live - in colour. I saw it in the TV special : Rogers and Hammerstein - The Sound of Movies.

I enjoyed the 1999 TV version - but I don't think Brandy was strong enough musically - and frankly I thought she was miscast. I also didn't like some changes to the fundamental rhythyms that R&H created.

I can't understand why the R&H version of Cinderella hasn't become as popular as the story itself. I guess this has something to do with the R&H Organisation. It would be a wonderful show for school children to perform.

The 1957 soundtrack is one of my favourites. And I would love to see the 1965 version again. Maybe it wasn't popular in Australia because I can't recall ATV10 ever screening it again. But R&H were very paternalistic over their shows. Possibly too much.

I think R&H's Cinderella will live forever.

A Lovely Night ... indeed!

I remember watching this as a little girl and loving it. I held a microphone up to the television to get the music and I would play it over and over again memorizing the lines and lyrics. When it came out on DVD last year I ordered it immediately. I waited until my family was out of the house and watched it over and over singing every word. It is just as I remembered. The sets are simple but that is part of its charm. The acting and singing are wonderful. Leslie Ann and Stuart make a perfect couple. The step sisters are hilarious at the ball. My favorite song is "10 minutes ago" Her gown is beautiful. If you remember seeing this as a child the DVD will not disappoint. Enjoy!

I was also six years old when this charming little gem first aired. My mother and father recognized how mesmerized my sister and I were, and always let us stay up for it each time it came on. And now, thirty five years later, I clearly remember its wonderful, innocent simplicity. Having grown up in the sixties and seventies I can appreciate the lack of special effects films had access to in those days. Acting and cinematography were what made films. Reading the other user comments have helped to stir my memories. Lesley Ann Warren's innocence and grace were enchanting. The title role was perfectly cast. Walter Pidgeon and Ginger Rogers; what a wonderful, regal couple they made. And the young romance of the Prince and Cinderella even made my father weepy!

I probably haven't seen this film since I was ten. But the very lovely memory is still with me.

I was only about 6 years old, and back in the 60's, there weren't too many movies on television for children. I remember sitting in front of the small television on the floor mesmerized. The movie was a fantasy come to life! I have been looking for the movie for decades. Everytime I see a Cinderella movie, I check it to see if it is the one that I have been searching for these past 40 years. I have finally found it, and I can assure you, it is just as mesmerizing today, as it was back when I was just 6 years old. For a true fantasy, you can't find a better Cinderella than Lesley Ann Warren!

No other version of CINDERELLA will ever come close to the magical conception presented to America in 1965.

Reasons:

The Tunes: timeless, perfect, memorable, stuck-in-my-mind, forever in my heart, Rodgers and Hammerstein's most catchy words and music - bar none...

The Actors: from the tender innocence of Leslie Ann Warren to the giddily comical Pat Carroll and Barbara Ruick, terrifically snide Jo Van Fleet, regal Ginger Rogers and Walter Pidgeon, handsome Stuart Damon,

The Story: simply told, tenderly and dramatically unfolded,

The Production: effectively suggests the magic by its otherworldly sets (no matter the changes in television and special effects that came much later in film history),

Forever an important part of growing up, still in my heart, my sister's heart and my dear parents' hearts...we often still sit down and watch...enjoying ever second together as if it were 1965, all over again.