The Slipper and the Rose

Bryan Forbes has managed to assemble the combined talents of the "Mary Poppins" writing Sherman brothers and a fine cast of British stage giants for this gentle retelling of the "Cinderella" tale. Now, I will admit - I am not a fan of Richard Chamberlain. I may never forgive him for totally destroying my images of Alan Quatermain and Edmond Dantes in years to come, but for the most part here - he is OK. He is the poor old prince "Edward" constantly harangued by his father (Sir Michael Hordern) and his chancellor (Kenneth More) to marry. Even his scene-stealing grandmother (Dame Edith Evans) is in on that scheme too. A glittering ball is the answer, and all the eligible ladies from far and wide will be invited. Meantime, poor old "Cinders" (Gemma Craven) has fallen foul of her wicked stepmother (Margaret Lockwood) and so an invitation for her is somewhat unlikely. Luckily, though, Annette Crosbie swings by and with a wave of her wand, our young heroine is conveyed to the palace in a pumpkin with some mice and toads in attendance. Home by midnight, remember... The Sherman's do bring a bit of unsentimental pith to their songs here - "What Has Love To Do With Getting Married" first amongst them, but there is still the charming ballad "Suddenly It happens" to balance the fairy tale elements of this quite entertaining adaptation of the fable. The costumes are sumptuous, the scenery splendid (Salzburg) and in the end this is not bad at all. Yes, it is far too long - and sags a bit in the third quarter, but Forbes does manage to elicit engaging performances from his cast who demonstrate a versatility of skills that illustrate the depth of talent needed to survive as an actor back then. It's good fun, this and most importantly - it does not subject us to loads of squeaking beasties!