I couldn’t resist devoting this movie post to the first period drama that I recall watching, The Slipper and the Rose. I would have been about 10 years old, taped it on BETA and watched it over and over again. I always loved fairy tales and to this day, I still adore this movie and never tire of watching it.
Hence, this is where my love for period drama began…
The Slipper and the Rose is a well acted, humorous, musical story of Cinderella, with a twist and a hint of fantasy and magic. It’s a well known cast of actors – Prince Edward, is played by Richard Chamberlain, Cinderella by the lovely Gemma Craven, Edith Evans as the Dowager Queen, and the Fairy Godmother is played by Annette Crosby. If you are a fan of Kiera Knightley, you will like Gemma Craven – she is a ‘cute’ version of her. The music is masterfully worked in to reminisce with previous musical scores of particular sentiment.
The Prince wishes to marry for love, not duty and sets forth to have a “Bride Finding Ball”, inviting all the noble women of the land. The songs tell part of the story and the dancing is just “Utterly Splendid”. The costumes are sparkly, lush and beautiful, it it obvious there was a fairly decent budget for the movie.
Cousin Montague, the Dowager Queen and the King are a giggle. The Prince meets and falls in love with Cinderella, and sets out to find her after she disappears from the ball. With only a glass slipper, the Prince allows every woman in the land to try the slipper for a perfect fit (Envy, Envy, Envy – I wish I owned a pair, they are gorgeous!). Cinderella is found, however, she is not of noble birth and the marriage is unable to take place. Events take place that defies the constraints of royal obligation and of course … they live happily ever after.
Starring: Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven, Annette Crosbie, Edith Evans, Michael Hordern, Kenneth More.
I am probably biased to this movie, but I do rate it highly and it’s suitable for all the family. Here is a link to download and watch the movie – should you have trouble getting a copy.
I Rate it: ♥♥♥♥♥
Everything About Period & Costume Dramas 
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