Original Disney classic: The 1950 animated film “Cinderella” was the 12th animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It is based on the French fairy tale “Cendrillon” by Charles Perrault, which was first published in 1697. The film was a critical and commercial success, revitalizing Disney’s animation studio after a string of underperforming films during World War II.
2015 live-action adaptation: Disney released a live-action adaptation of “Cinderella” in 2015, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James in the title role, Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine, and Richard Madden as Prince Charming. The film was praised for its costume design, performances, and faithfulness to the original animated film.
The Glass Slipper: One of the most iconic symbols of the Cinderella story is the glass slipper. The idea of a glass slipper is believed to be a mistranslation of “pantoufle de vair” (a fur slipper) in Charles Perrault’s original French version. Disney chose to keep the glass slipper for its visual appeal and magical quality.
Cinderella’s transformation: In the 1950 animated film, Cinderella’s transformation into her ball gown was considered a groundbreaking moment in animation history. Disney animators Marc Davis and Les Clark spent months perfecting the scene, which showcases the use of the multiplane camera and intricate hand-drawn animation techniques.
Animal sidekicks: The animated film features several animal sidekicks, including Jaq and Gus, two mice who help Cinderella with her chores, and Lucifer, the villainous cat. These characters were not part of the original Perrault fairy tale, but Disney added them to provide comic relief and appeal to younger audiences.
The songs: The 1950 animated film includes several memorable songs, such as “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” and “So This Is Love.” The film’s music was composed by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Song for “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.”
The Fairy Godmother: The Fairy Godmother is another iconic character from Disney’s “Cinderella.” In the 1950 animated film, she was voiced by Verna Felton, who also provided the voice for other Disney characters, such as the Queen of Hearts in “Alice in Wonderland” (1951) and Flora in “Sleeping Beauty” (1959). In the 2015 live-action adaptation, Helena Bonham Carter played the Fairy Godmother.
A stroke of midnight: The concept of Cinderella’s magical transformation ending at midnight is unique to Perrault’s version of the story. This element has persisted throughout various adaptations, including the Disney films, as it adds a sense of urgency and drama to the narrative.
Costume design: The 2015 live-action film’s costume designer, Sandy Powell, received an Academy Award nomination for her work on the movie. Powell’s design for Cinderella’s ball gown involved over 270 yards of fabric and more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals. Her vision was to create a dress that appeared to be floating and shimmering, like a watercolor painting.
Box office success: Both the 1950 animated film and the 2015 live-action adaptation were box office hits. The animated film earned over $263 million (adjusted for inflation), while the live-action film grossed over $543 million worldwide. These successful adaptations demonstrate the enduring appeal of the Cinderella story and its resonance.
