Schneewittchen und die sieben Zwerge

...for its time and place. Germany and Czechoslovakia produced dozens of these low budget fairytales in the post-war years. They are still ubiquitous on Sundays in Central Europe when most businesses are closed. These films are kitschy and amateurish, but charming in their own way, especially in the original language.

I initially found them ridiculous and refused to watch with my Austrian wife, but they've grown on me over the years and now I much enjoy them. This version of Snow White is among the best of these films. It's unusual in that the German script is entirely in rhyme which works surprisingly well in the original German but lends itself poorly to translation for foreign audiences. Overdubbing only complicates viewing.

Elke Arendt is a fabulous actress and her talent and skill shine through in this performance. She is a pleasure to watch.

Taken on its own terms, without modern expectations about what movies should be, this version of Snow White can provide nice entertainment on a lazy afternoon.

I've read a number of reviews on this film, mostly bad, so I decided to rewatch it. It had been around 10 years since I bought a video copy of it at a local KMART store, and the film was quite sketchy in my memory. But what I did recall about it, was that I DIDN'T like it.

This 1955 version is one of the weaker adaptations of the Grimm's story, but does have it's strong points. My video is a copy of the 1965 English language version, that was shown at "Kiddie Matinees" by Childhood Productions in the 1960's and 70's. Hosted, rather badly, by Paul Tripp (the man CREEPS ME OUT!!!!) and dubbed with poor voice-overs and annoying songs, much is lost in the translation. I would really love to get my hands on a copy of the original German version and compare the two.

The film's strongest attribute is in it's title character. Elke Arendt does a fine job as Snow White. She is by no means perfect, but in this production, her talent stands out. She is pretty, despite her horrible black wig of long braids, and makes a nice storybook heroine. She has a sweet personality and kind presence in the film.

The weakest aspect of the film are the seven miscast CHILDREN as the dwarves. BADLY bearded and costumed these kids ruin the whole picture. You can never get beyond the fact that they are indeed kids in cheap Halloween costumes. Very poor choice on the film makers.

The sets are slightly above average. The little glen where the cottage of the dwarves rests is quite cozy and inviting. The cottage itself is really just a large dollhouse, but very sweet in appearance.

The script is a bit slow moving at times and tries, unsuccessfully, to broaden the Snow White story. For example, the Prince shows up with a necklace for Snow White, whom he hasn't seen in years. He says that it's for the "most beautiful woman in the kingdom". Since Snow White isn't allowed out of her room, the Huntsman (?!?) brings it up to her. He relays the message, but is overheard by the Queen, who insists that the gift must be for her then. She and Snow White exchange a few words and the Queen snatches that necklace right off from around Snow's neck, and heads to her magic mirror for her daily dose of "self- confidence".....I think you can figure out the rest. A valiant effort at adding meat to the story, but an unsuccessful one.

If you decide to try this movie out, I really do recommend finding the German version. But definitely give it a chance. The 1961 German version is FAR SUPERIOR to this one, but this one is worth a watch.

This German made, live action version of the classic story was made in 1955, and released in the U.S in 1965. The releasing company, Childhood Productions, added a new soundtrack to the film, not only dubbing it into English, but commissioning a brand new score, written by Anne and Milton Delugg. The results are wonderful. Care was taken in matching the dubbed voices to the actors (even if the synchronization is a little off). The songs, and especially the background music, are beautiful. Add the lovely Bavarian scenery, and you have a delightful film. Incidentally, the original narrator, Paul Tripp, was replaced on the version issued by Interglobal Home Video. They filmed a new introduction with actor Chuck McCann, who also took over the storytelling chores. Presumably, this was done for copyright reasons. The Paul Tripp narration is far superior. Childhood Productions imported several German made fairy tale films to the U.S. in the sixties. They did well by all of them, but this is, in my opinion, the best. Having now seen (at last) the original German Language edit, I can say again, they did a remarkable job. The original musical score is bad- no memorable orchestrations, no lovely background themes, no nothing. The cast,(undubbed) have very poor speaking voices. Childhood Productions took a routine film version of a classic story, and made it a memorable one.My favorite ''Snow White'' movie!.

Nice German version of the classic tale Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Released in German and later in English, with dubbed score and songs. The movie is pretty much like the original Disney fairytale although both characters and music lack of Disney's energy and grace. Prince charming is too bland and Snow white too simple but the film enriches with beautiful sets and scenery. And the queen is bad, but not repulsive. They could have taken more profit of the mirror and the first meeting between Snow white and the prince is rather decaffeinated. Songs are not enhancing as Disney's version are, but dwarfs's house and setting are nicely done. Although I missed some things like precious stones shown at dwarfs' mine and the final kiss (snowwhite awakes in a more prosaic way), the fact that no heart is given to the queen by hunter and there is no witch avoids the ugliest parts of the story. Part of a series of German filmed Fairytales made in the fifties and early sixties that also include The Sleeping Beauty and Snow white and Rose red.

I noticed this was part of a cheaply made film, "The 50 Worst Films of All Time." I was amazed they would include this one. It is artistically above average and the story, though quite frightening, was interesting. Obviously, what passed for special effects was lacking and the dwarves were quite weird. Still, I made it to the end and felt a personal connection to it. This is a foreign production and had a redo by some American musicians. It works as an alternative tale of the famous fairy tale.