Cinderella is a 1997 American musical fantasy television movie directed by Robert Iscove and written by Robert L. Freedman and produced by Walt Disney Television. The movie is the second remake and third rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical, which first aired on television in 1957. It is based on the French fairy tale by Charles Perrault.
Freedman updated the script to appeal to more current audiences by modernizing its ideas and rewriting its main character into a stronger heroine, adapted from Oscar Hammerstein II’s book. The movie stars Brandy in the eponymous role and boasts a racially diverse ensemble that includes Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters, Veanne Cox, Natalie Desselle, Victor Garber, and Paolo Montalban. It is co-produced by Whitney Houston, who also appears as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella premiered on ABC on November 2, 1997, to mixed reviews, and was heavily pushed to re-launch the anthology series The Wonderful World of Disney. While the majority of critics appreciated the film’s costumes, sets, and supporting cast, especially Peters, Alexander, and Goldberg, television critics were split on Brandy and Houston’s performances, as well as Disney’s more feminist approach to Brandy’s character.
The film’s critical reception has increased over time, with various media outlets rating it among the best fairy tale cinematic adaptations. Due to the exceptional diversity of its ensemble and Brandy’s performance, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is hailed by current critics as a pioneering picture.
Also READ: Which was the last movie of Burt Reynolds?
