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This is a very clever and entertaining remake of Cinderella, with wonderful music, beautiful costumes and scenery, and a very talented ensemble cast. It also has a good deal of dry wit, particularly from the King, played marvelously by Michael Hordern, which sets it apart from other productions of Cinderella. It also features Richard Chamberlain trying his hand at his first musical, in the role of Prince Edward, the royal heir to the throne of Euphrania, who simply wants to marry for love, not political expediency. He is terrific in this role--handsome, aristocratic, with a very pleasant singing voice, and extremely graceful on the dance floor--he looks very much "The Prince." Gemma Craven is good in the role of Cinderella, and I particularly like her singing in the haunting "Tell Him Anything." The song "Secret Kingdom" with Richard and Gemma is beautiful, and one of the highlights of the entire movie. Though the film itself runs a little too long, I still love all the fine performances from this very talented cast, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the musical genre.

This 1991 TV Movie is based on a true story of cold-blooded and absolutely senseless murder. It demonstrates that no matter how charmed a life you may be leading, there is nothing to protect you from the random crime that changes you and those closest to you forever. The crime itself as portrayed in this production is very disturbing--I found myself turning away from the screen during this time, especially since I knew it was all based on actual events. Richard Chamberlain heads a fine cast as the detached, very successful father who is happy to leave the emotional needs of his lovely family to his warm-hearted wife, played by the marvelous Michael Learned. The supporting cast who complete the family of 3 sons and 1 daughter are all excellent, including Doug Savant, currently of Desperate Housewives. The actor who plays the pivotal role of the son, Terry, is outstanding--I think he gives a very believable portrayal of the hell his family is thrust into because of this random, heartless crime. Richard Chamberlain is memorable as the father who initially is the successful bread winner of the household, but rather aloof from his children, who then because of the most horrific circumstances, is forced to become the emotional foundation that keeps the family from succumbing to despair. The scene near the end of the movie, with Terry, his father and siblings at the cemetery, is especially touching.

Though this was one of many versions of the book, and was done 30 years ago, it still holds up well in comparison to later productions. It is too bad it was never released on DVD, and the video can only be purchased as used, since it is out of print. That being said, the production itself was beautifully shot in elegant European locations, and the costumes and dialects of the strong and impressive cast add to the authentic feel for the period the movie is portraying. Of course, as in all movies made from wonderful novels, there simply is not enough time to capture the expansive details an author puts forth in their literary work, but as long as you look at the movie as more of a short-handed summary of the book, you should like this particular rendition. What sets this apart from later versions, is that Richard Chamberlain, at the height of his career, fit the description of what the Count physically looked like much better than Gerard Depardieu ( a very fine actor!) Mr. Chamberlain was perfect casting, as he was tall,slender, and elegant, and looked dashing and handsome in the period costumes of the era. In addition, his classical speaking voice is perfect in presenting the Count as the charismatic mystery man depicted in the novel. A great supporting cast completes the movie, particularly Trevor Howard, Louis Jourdan and Kate Nelligan as Mercedes, and I also especially like the two young actors who portrayed Albert Mondego and Jacopo--very talented!! All in all, a very entertaining ensemble piece from the 70's, that is very well paced, and still holds up 30 years later.