This is, in my opinion, Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece! Based on the beloved fairy tale, Cinderella comes to life in this spectacular TV production! Julie Andrews (who would later star in MARY POPPINS and THE SOUND OF MUSIC), is a joy to watch, and Jon Cypher as the Prince is great too. Other fine performances come from Howard Lindsay and Dorothy Stickney as the King and Queen, Ilka Chase as the Stepmother, Kaye Ballard and Alice Ghostley as the Stepsisters (they are HILARIOUS), and Edith Adams as the Fairy Godmother. The sets and costumes are good. The score is one of R+H's best. Everything about this production just impresses me.
When broadcast on March 31, 1957, it got an audience of about 107 million people! Unfortunately, it was broadcast on that night only, so, in 1965, it was remade with Lesley Ann Warren playing Cinderella (this version was great too). It was also remade in 1997, with Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother and Brandy as Cinderella (again, another great production). Finally, in 2004, this classic 1957 version was finally released on DVD! The disc, released by Image Entertainment, has good picture and sound quality, and extras including interviews, galleries, and an appearance by R+H on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. A treat for musical fans everywhere! Recommended. 10/10
When broadcast on March 31, 1957, it got an audience of about 107 million people! Unfortunately, it was broadcast on that night only, so, in 1965, it was remade with Lesley Ann Warren playing Cinderella (this version was great too). It was also remade in 1997, with Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother and Brandy as Cinderella (again, another great production). Finally, in 2004, this classic 1957 version was finally released on DVD! The disc, released by Image Entertainment, has good picture and sound quality, and extras including interviews, galleries, and an appearance by R+H on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. A treat for musical fans everywhere! Recommended. 10/10