Cinderella

Although it's probably gone on before, and most certainly after, the 1970's seem to be a time in which the makers of "erotic film" turned towards classic literature for subject matter. But unlike films such as "Lady Chatterly's Lover," a group of films turned toward even older and even more sacred texts: fairy tales. Several different production houses released erotic fairytale films during this period, including this 1977 version of Cinderella. While not the first (or the last), this film stands head and shoulders above the others.

Using the well-known rags-to-riches story of Cinderella as its base, this film creates a surprisingly effective result in both erotica and satire. The momentum of the film is suitably id-based; that is, every time a situation arises in which ribaldry might occur, it most certainly does. Cinderella's stepsisters prance around half-naked and demand Cinderella to run a cleverly devised spinning wheel for their pleasure. The Lord Chamberlain delivers invitations for the great ball to the lovely women of the village, acquitting himself at every opportunity. And of course, the prince finally must go to every hovel and reveal which fair maiden had been the best "fit" the night of his blindfolded orgy. The material basically writes itself.

But what sets this film apart is its wry take on the whole situation. It never forgets that this is a revisionist telling of the tale, and other earmarks besides the sex appear in the form of vaudevillian dialogue and references to the swinging disco lifestyle that was popular at the time. The music of the film is wonderfully dated and, had the subject matter been toned down a bit, could have easily overtaken "Le Freak" on the pop charts. And certainly we cannot forget Sy Richardson's hilarious performance (later retread for "Fairytales") as the Fairy Godmother with an attitude strictly from black exploitation films of the 70's.

The producers of this film made a wise decision to keep its sexual level strictly softcore, a decision with which the makers of the earlier "Alice in Wonderland" seemed to have great difficulty. Full pornography would have caused the film to lose its fun-loving heart, which ultimately is its most redeeming feature.

The other erotic fairy tale films, including the aforementioned "Alice," as well as the later "Fairytales," and the horrid "Erotic Adventures of Pinocchio," attempt the same feat, with less success. "Alice" is too choppy and just plain dopey, "Fairytales" has its moments but fails to capture the spirit of "Cinderella."

You have to be in the mood for this movie. (maybe a brewski and no dress if in Ohio). If you know what to expect, you will like this.

This movie is a living adult comic book, and as such all of the actors except Cheryl Smith (Cinderella), play their roles predictably and very campy. They got it...don't take this seriously and overact. Pretend you are in a High School play. Cy Richardson reprises his role from "Faery Tales", and fits in just fine here. The film I viewed was from cable many years ago, and it shows obvious choppy editing which removed, I presume, some X stuff. Probably these cuts improved the film (such as was claimed by the reviewers of "Alice in Wonderland). The direction is right on target for a sophomoric film. The Chamberlain dismounts his horse and falls screaming down an unseen cliff. He bumps his head while seriously speaking in a farmer's hut. He has an episode with a knife and his finger, ala three stooges minus two (see also Jerry Lewis). This fits if you are really in the mood for this type of film. Doooooooooooooo, Dooooooooooooooo, Dooooooooooooo enjoy.

Cheryl Smith stands out in this film because she acts her part seriously and seems to miss the juvenile theme of this movie. Her acting makes this movie work. Intentional or not, her acting evokes the demanded sympathy toward her character. She is really outstanding here, either by design or because she really thought this was a serious film. Without her it would be junk. Good mindless fun to watch. I liked it.

I remember renting this in high school because the cover seemed to portray a porn film, yet this wasn't in the "big wooden cabinet." It attempts to be a soft-core pornographic comedy, which I guess it succeeds at without ever really delivering on the "pornographic" or the "comedy" part. Strangely enough, I've talked to many other people and if this film is mentioned, they've all seen it. Why? I don't know. Two memorable parts are the black man playing a fairy godmother (?) and the king announcing "The Kingdom has a Snapper!" (You'll have to figure that one out yourself.)

I must admit I didn't expect to see the classic in this light when one of my girlfriend's brought this home from the rental office. At first, I thought it was a little crude, but as the movie went on and I started to get into enjoying for what it was - an entertaining (and somewhat risque) movie - I realized that it was actually quite a good and interesting movie. Imagine a Cinderella who was tested not by the ability to fit into a show, but the ability to bring the prince to sexual heights with an amazing female sexual organ. I pity (or is that envy?) the prince though, having to have sex with almost all the girls in the entire kingdom before being able to find his Cinderella!

I thought this was one of the funniest soft-core porn films I ever saw. Of course, you have to have a twisted sense of humour. If you're just out to get titillated, this isn't the movie for you. (I loved the black "fairy" godfather.)