The Slipper and the Rose facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Slipper and the Rose The Story of Cinderella
US theatrical release poster
Directed by	Bryan Forbes
Produced by	Stuart Lyons
Screenplay by	Robert B. Sherman Richard M. Sherman Bryan Forbes
Starring	Richard Chamberlain Gemma Craven Annette Crosbie Edith Evans Christopher Gable Michael Hordern Margaret Lockwood Kenneth More
Music by	Songs: Richard M. Sherman Robert B. Sherman Score: Angela Morley
Cinematography	Tony Imi
Editing by	Timothy Gee
Studio	Paradine Co-Production
Distributed by	Universal Pictures (US Theatrical) Cinema International Corporation (Overseas Theatrical)
Release date(s)	24 March 1976 (Royal Film Performance) 25 March 1976 (United Kingdom)
Running time	143 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella is a 1976 British musical film. It tells the classic fairy tale of Cinderella with songs and dancing. The movie was chosen for a special event called the Royal Command Performance in 1976. This means it was shown to the Royal Family!

The film was directed by Bryan Forbes. It stars Gemma Craven as Cinderella and Richard Chamberlain as the Prince. Other famous actors like Michael Hordern, Kenneth More, Edith Evans, and Annette Crosbie are also in the movie. The songs were written by the famous Sherman Brothers, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. They also helped write the movie's story with Bryan Forbes.

The Story of Cinderella and Prince Edward

The movie begins with Prince Edward of Euphrania. He comes home after meeting Princess Selena, who his parents want him to marry. But the Prince is not happy about this. He doesn't want an arranged marriage and wishes he could be two people at once ("Why Can't I Be Two People?"). Edward wants to marry for love. His parents, however, think marriage is about making political alliances, not just love ("What Has Love Got to Do with Being Married?").

Meanwhile, Cinderella lives a hard life. Her mean stepmother makes her work as a servant. Cinderella's two stepsisters, Isobella and Palatine, are also very unkind to her. Cinderella finds comfort in remembering happier times with her own parents ("Once I Was Loved"). One day, while visiting her parents' grave, she meets Prince Edward and his friend John. They are visiting the Royal crypt. The Prince jokes about his ancestors, saying he will join them one day ("What a Comforting Thing to Know").

Back at the castle, the King is told that Edward needs to marry a princess from a nearby country. This marriage would help prevent a war. So, a big ball is planned to help Edward choose his bride ("Protocolligorically Correct"). The Prince hates this idea, but his cousin Montague is excited ("Bride-finding Ball"). When news arrives that a war might start, Edward has to agree to the ball. Not many princesses accept the invitation, so local noble families are invited too. This includes Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters.

The Magical Ball and a Lost Slipper

Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters need fancy dresses for the ball. They make Cinderella sew all three gowns from their old clothes. Cinderella doesn't know how she will do it. Luckily, a kind fairy godmother arrives! She can sense the wishes of good-hearted people. While Cinderella rests, the fairy godmother creates three beautiful gowns. That night, the stepmother and stepsisters leave for the ball, leaving Cinderella alone.

The fairy godmother returns and tells Cinderella she can go to the ball too! She changes Cinderella's old dress into a lovely gown. She also magically prepares a coach and horses. Cinderella is sent off to the ball. But there's a warning: the magic will only last until midnight ("Suddenly It Happens"). At the ball, Cinderella and Edward meet. It's love at first sight for both of them ("Secret Kingdom"). As the clock strikes midnight, Cinderella rushes away. She leaves behind only one glass slipper.

The Search for Love

Edward sends his servants everywhere to find the woman who fits the glass slipper. But they can't find her. Edward builds a monument for the slipper, hoping his lost love will appear one day. John, the Prince's friend, is also sad. He loves a noblewoman, but his position means they can't be together ("Position and Positioning"). Edward makes John a knight so he can be with Lady Caroline.

Finally, Edward gets frustrated with his search. He breaks the slipper monument and throws the slipper into the woods. Cinderella finds it and starts to dance with it. John sees her and quickly tells the Prince.

A Happy Ending for Cinderella

Cinderella and Edward are reunited! Her stepmother and stepsisters are surprised. Edward asks the stepmother for permission to marry Cinderella. The stepmother agrees, just to get rid of Cinderella. Cinderella tells her stepmother and stepsisters that she forgives them for being mean.

In the throne room, Edward and Cinderella meet the King and Queen. The King likes Cinderella but is worried. He tells his advisor that his son cannot marry someone who isn't royal. The advisor explains that Edward must marry a princess from a neighboring kingdom to prevent war and protect their country. Cinderella is heartbroken. She is told she must leave that very night. She asks the advisor to tell Edward she never loved him ("Tell Him"). She says this because she knows Edward would try to find her if he knew the truth.

Edward knows he can't win. He agrees to marry whoever the King and Queen choose. But he says he will only do his duty at the wedding and nothing more. Cinderella, living in exile, still thinks of Edward ("I Can't Forget the Melody"). Her fairy godmother arrives and asks why Cinderella isn't at the castle. Edward is getting married that day! Cinderella is shocked. The fairy godmother doesn't know who Edward is marrying, but she plans to fix things again.

Back at the castle, the wedding is happening. Everyone is surprised when Cinderella appears in a wedding gown. The King stops the wedding and talks privately with his council. The fairy godmother joins them. She convinces the King to change the law so Edward can marry the girl he loves. In a surprising turn, Edward's cousin and the chosen bride fall in love! They marry, which still creates the important alliance. Cinderella and Edward then live happily ever after.

Main Cast Members

Songs from the Movie

The film features many memorable songs:

• "Why Can't I Be Two People?" – Sung by Richard Chamberlain
• "What Has Love Got to Do with Getting Married?" – Sung by Michael Hordern, Lally Bowers, Edith Evans, Julian Orchard
• "Once I Was Loved" – Sung by Gemma Craven
• "What a Comforting Thing to Know" – Sung by Richard Chamberlain, Christopher Gable
• "Protocoligorically Correct" – Sung by Michael Hordern, Chorus
• "Bride-finding Ball" – Sung by Richard Chamberlain, Julian Orchard
• "Suddenly It Happens" – Sung by Annette Crosbie, Gemma Craven
• "Transformation Ballet" - Performed by Dancers
• "The Slipper and the Rose Waltz Theme" (an instrumental version of "He Danced With Me")
• "Secret Kingdom" – Sung by Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven
• "He/She Danced With Me" – Sung by Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven
• "Position and Positioning" – Sung by Christopher Gable, Chorus
• "Tell Him Anything (But Not That I Love Him)" – Sung by Gemma Craven
• "I Can't Forget the Melody" – Sung by Gemma Craven
• "Secret Kingdom (Reprise)" – Sung by Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven

When the movie was first released in the US, some songs were cut. These included "What Has Love Got to Do with Being Married" and "I Can't Forget the Melody."

Awards and Nominations

The Slipper and the Rose was recognized with several important nominations. The Sherman Brothers, who wrote the songs, were nominated for:

• Academy Award for Best Original Song for "The Slipper and the Rose Waltz (He/She Danced With Me)"
• Academy Award for Best Original Score (for Angela Morley, who wrote the background music)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score in 1977
• BAFTA Award for Best Original Music in 1977

Other nominations for the film included:

• BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Michael Hordern
• BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Annette Crosbie
• BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design for Julie Harris
• BAFTA Award for Best Production Design for Raymond Simm
• Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film in 1977

Stage Show Adaptations

The movie was later turned into a musical stage show in 1984. Philip Burley adapted the story, and the Sherman Brothers' songs were used. This musical has been performed by many community theater groups in Britain. It has also been shown in North America, including in Utah, Washington, and Montreal.