Cinderella
-- Video Business, 11/23/2004
DRAMA
NR, B&W;, 76 min. plus supplements, mono, fullscreen, Street: Dec. 14, $19.99; First Run: TV, March 1957
IMAGE
When Rodgers and Hammerstein's elaborate, made-for-TV musical Cinderella aired live on CBS in 1957, 120 million viewers tuned in. It was a testament to the popularity of the kings of Broadway, the power of PR and the magic of the fairy tale. Nobody was more perfect for Cinderella than 21-year-old Broadway star Julie Andrews. And she continues to shine in this DVD, which marks the first time the show has been available since it aired. It certainly will be a collector's item for Rodgers and Hammerstein buffs and Andrews' fans. A multi-camera setup captures each moment with a rhythm and synthesis that makes for exciting TV and lively theater. Produced in-house, the DVD includes a vintage interview with Rodgers and Hammerstein on The Ed Sullivan Show and a heartfelt look back at the production with a number of its original cast members. Andrews' introduction to the broadcast puts in perspective the musical's importance and impact in the world of theater and TV. --Mekado Murphy
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