American Film Adaptations of Cinderella

The Cinderella story is often interpreted into different movies, books, and even television shows. It remains one of my favorite stories, and I just love a movie that can develop the fairy tale in new ways. There are a lot of different versions out there, from musicals to TV productions, and the story is shared any many cultures and countries around the world.

You can find many Cinderella influences in American films, but there are some that truly capture and follow the essence of the fairy tale.

This animated version of Cinderella is timeless, and will always remain a favorite in the hearts of children everywhere. This is a love story with music—and talking mice, dressing birds, and many more fun characters. Not only is the love story of Cinderella and Prince Charming sweet, but the characters like Gus and Jaq are very lovable. When the evil step-mother flashes her evil eyes, you will cower in fear; but, when the fairy godmother appears in a flash of sparkles, you won’t be able to stop from smiling.

Glass Slipper – 1955 - MGM

Starring Leslie Caron as Ella and Michael Wilding as Prince Charming, this 1950s fairy tale film will leave you enchanted. It is the typical story of Cinderella, set in a European village. Ella is unhappy and mistreated by her step-family. She meets a man one day, unaware he is the Prince, and they fall in love. But will they live happily ever after?

Ever After - A Cinderella Story - 1998 - 20th Century Fox

This 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore as Danielle De Barbarac (Cinderella), Anjelica Huston as Danielle De Barbarac (evil step-mother), and Dougray Scott as Prince Henry. This version of the fairy tale is portrayed as the “real story” of Cinderella, and is definitely based more on reality than the magical, fairy tale element. However, it remains a beautiful story. Ever After truly captures the fairy tale idea of Cinderella, showing how a legendary romantic story is born.

Other Movies & Television Productions

If you truly love the animated version, you might be interested in the sequels that follow it. However, I think the original is the best. There are also a lot of television versions of the story. Most notable of these productions are the Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella versions.

The 1957 version stars Julie Andrews as Cinderella, and is considered one of the best adaptations as it was written by Richard Rodgers And Oscar Hammerstein specifically for Andrews. The 1965 version stars Lesley Ann Warden as Cinderella and Ginger Rogers as the Queen. The 1965 production is different from the 1957 one because Rodgers took on the project alone (this was after Hammerstein’s death). Rodgers wanted to make this adaptation follow the traditional story a bit more than the 1957 one did.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein production came back to life in 1997, but this time with a multi-racial cast. This television production starred Brandy Norwood as Cinderella, Bernadette Peters as the step-mother, Whoopi Goldberg as Queen Constantina, and Whitney Houston as the Fairy God Mother. This adaptation won a Primetime Emmy, and was nominated for several other awards.