Cinderella

“Cinderella” is a classic animated fairy tale film produced by Walt Disney and released in 1950. It is the twelfth animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. The film is based on the fairy tale of the same name by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm.

The story follows a young and kind-hearted girl named Cinderella, whose life takes a dramatic turn after her father dies, leaving her in the care of her wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine and her two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. They treat Cinderella as a servant and give her the nickname “Cinderella” due to her being covered in cinders from the fireplace.

Despite the hardships she faces, Cinderella remains hopeful and kind, finding solace in her animal friends, including mice, birds, and her loyal dog, Bruno. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she gets a chance to attend the royal ball organized by the prince in search of a bride.

Transformed into a beautiful princess with a stunning blue gown and glass slippers, Cinderella dances with the prince but must leave before midnight when the magic wears off. In her haste, she leaves one glass slipper behind, and the prince vows to find the owner of the slipper.

With the help of her animal friends, Cinderella overcomes obstacles set by her stepmother to try on the slipper. The prince recognizes her as the true owner of the glass slipper, and they are reunited, living happily ever after.

“Cinderella” is a beloved classic known for its beautiful animation, memorable characters, and enchanting music, including iconic songs like “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.” It remains one of Disney’s most cherished and enduring films, captivating generations of audiences with its timeless tale of kindness, hope, and the power of dreams.

Fun Facts

Prior to the 1950 version, 6 other Cinderella movies had been made including a Disney short in 1922.
A similar version of the movie was almost released as a shorter Silly Symphony in the 1930’s.
This movie has been partially credited for reviving Walt Disney Productions after their World War II-related box office slump.
A number of the movie’s animators, including Marc Davis and Ward Kimball would go on to create some of the most iconic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions.
Number of copies the Cinderella children’s album sold when it was released in 1950: 750,000
The movie was re-released to theaters 5 times after its initial run.
It was the 6th biggest movie of 1950.

Additional Details

Movie Studio: Disney
Year Released: 1950
Type of Movie: Animated
Box Office: $263.6 million
Awards: Nominated 3 Academy Awards
IMDB Link

Cast

Cinderella: Ilene Woods
Lady Tremaine: Eleanor Audley
Fairy Godmother: Verna Felton
Prince Charming: William Phipps and Mike Douglas
Anastasia Tremaine: Lucille Bliss
Drizella Tremaine: Rhoda Williams
Jaq: Jimmy McDonald
Gus: Jimmy McDonald
King: Luis van Rooten
Grand Duke: Luis van Rooten
Doorman: Don Barclay
Lucifer: June Foray
Bruno: Pinto Colvig
Narrator: Betty Lou Gerson

Crew

Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske and Wilfred Jackson
Producer: Walt Disney
Writers: Ken Anderson, Perce Pearce, Homer Brightman, Winston Hibler, Bill Peet, Erdman Penner, Harry Reeves, Joe Rinaldi, Ted Sears, Maurice Rapf
Music: Oiver Wallace and Paul Smith