Released in 1950, Disney’s Cinderella was a major success for the studio, breathing new life into Walt Disney Productions after a difficult period. The film re-tells the famous tale of a kind and gentle young woman who overcomes adversity with the help of her fairy godmother, some helpful animal friends… and a little bit of magic.
The music, particularly songs like “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” became instant hits, adding to the movie’s charm.
The artistry behind Cinderella set a new standard for animation. The detailed backgrounds, fluid character movements, and innovative use of Technicolor brought the fairy tale to life in a way that had never been seen before. The film’s success also demonstrated the power of feature-length animated storytelling, paving the way for future Disney classics.
In our collection below, we’ve gathered vintage video, articles and promotional materials that offer a glimpse into the world of Disney’s Cinderella.
Disney’s Cinderella came out in 1950
From the Norwalk Reflector Herald (Norwalk, Ohio) January 5, 1950
Walt Disney’s ready to spring his latest full-length cartoon, “Cinderella,” on the world. And the face-lifting Cinderella got in Hollywood may have the original author rattling in his grave.
Disney confessed Tuesday he’s modernized the fairy tale with everything from sex to slapstick to songs. The sweet fairy godmother turns out to be a fluttery, middle-aged Burke type. There’s a cat who’s a villain, and a handsome prince who plants torrid kisses that the French author of Cinderella, Charles Perrault, never had in mind.
Working six years to make this movie
“I’ve been working on the movie for six years,” says Disney. “There have been many versions of the Cinderella story. I thought the usual Grimm tale was too sweet, so I followed the Perrault original.
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The fairy tale was penned 300 years ago. Disney placed his story in the mid-19th century because “that was a romantic period.” But Cinderella goes to the ball in a fancy gown that any modern movie queen would wear today. “That’s to appeal to the modern teenagers,” says Disney.
DON’T MISS: Live action plus animation are magic in Disney’s classic movie, ‘Mary Poppins’
Cinderella has some cinema pals she didn’t have in the fairytale, too — a nasty cat and playful mice. They’re the comics. And Disney made the fairy godmother a “likable, forgetful character.”
“She’s a little, pudgy, old lady who never can remember where she put her wand,” he smiles. “She even forgets temporarily to change Cinderella’s rags into that beautiful dress.”
“The conventional fairy godmother was kind of dull.”
Disney’s Prince Charming is handsome and dashing. But his role was trimmed because good-looking men are not easy cartoon characters to create, Disney adds.
There’s one change from the French story nobody will notice: Perrault’s Cinderella slipper was made of fur. Disney made it glass, as it is in later, more popular translations. He doesn’t think anybody will notice the other switches, either.
“People don’t remember details of fairy tales,” he says. “I called in some ‘Alice in Wonderland’ experts, and they kept getting the two volumes mixed up. They could not remember details at all.”
Disney’s Cinderella – Original 1950 trailer (video)
CINDERELLA, REVISITED
Get Cinderella on video cassette – for a limited time (1988)
This Christmas season, give everyone on your gift list a dream come true! Now, Cinderella, the world’s favorite fairy tale, is on videocassette. This is the gift of the season! The gift your whole family can share together.
Together, re-live the magic of “Bibbidi-Bobbido-Boo” (video clip of this song below) and feel its festive spirit fill your home. The magic of Cinderella will last forever, but you can only buy Cinderella through this holiday season.
Introductory price $26.99 — available wherever videocassettes are sold
SEE MORE Classic Walt Disney Home Video VHS movies & short collections from the ’80s & ’90s
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo (fairy godmother song video clip)
Cinderella on videocassette: VHS tape insert – Disney’s ’80s reissue
The most celebrated of all the Disney classics, Cinderella is also known as one of Walt Disney’s all-time favorite films.
In the magnificent tradition of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Cinderella has enchanted generations with its spellbinding story, charming music, and endearing characters that live in your heart forever.
The beloved fairy tale becomes pure Disney magic as beautiful Cinderella shares her dreams of romance and a better life with the lovable mice Gus and Jaq. When Cinderella’s cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, the delightful Fairy Godmother appears!
With a wave of her wondrous wand and a bouncy “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” the Fairy Godmother transforms a simple pumpkin into a magical coach — and Cinderella’s rags into a gorgeous gown.
At the ball, Cinderella falls in love with Prince Charming, but must flee before the stroke of midnight breaks the spell!
Fully restored and sparkling with heartfelt emotion, captivating comedy, and delightful adventure, Cinderella’s timeless tale of how dreams can come true is now “even better than you remembered it!” Joel Siegel “Good Morning America”).
Treasure it … happily ever after!
ALSO SEE: Disney’s Old Yeller: The classic movie about the best doggone dog in the west (1958)
