Here we have the East German approach to the famous Snow White story and this one is from 1961, so this one came out pretty much the exact time that the Berlin Wall was built. It is another collaboration by writer Kalkofen and director Kolditz and if you have seen some of their other stuff, then you may agree that these fairy tale films (some of them based on the Brothers Grimms' works like this one here) are pretty much among the very best the GDR had to offer in terms of films. The use of colors sure helps a lot, but it is also the costumes, makeup and cinematography that make films like this one here a pretty satisfying watch. Like more recent fairy tale films, this one here is really short and does not even make it past the 1-hour mark if we don't count the credits. As a consequence, this is also a truly essential film. There is basically not a single minute when nothing important happens and they did a good job by including repetitive sequences like the mirror asking or the scenes in which the evil queen poisons SW in a way where they did not feel too repetitive. And then of course the acting is strong from everybody involved. Snow White as always does not have the greatest material, but lead actress Doris Weikow in her early 20s is as stunning as it gets and perfect for the character. Marianne Christina Schilling is the one to watch here giving the best performance with the best material, while the dwarfs, the prince and the hunter also make the most of their (not too) limited screen time. So yes, this is a well-rounded effort thanks to everybody working on it in front of and behind the camera as well as the rest of the crew. There's a reason why this tale is still among the Grimms' most famous and they did the subject justice here. It is at least as good as the West German version from the mid-1950s. A good watch for everybody and a must-see for fairy tale lovers. Go check it out.

Snow White has come to be an archetype in world culture (even Japanese are quite familiar with the story, the 1937 Disney animation is a classic), so I was thrilled to see this 1961 East German live action version (which came with SuperIllu magazine today).Years ago, I've often read this fairy tale to my then young daughters, so I was familiar with the story, which the movie rendered quite OK. Except - the classic ending was very watered down. As Wikipedia has it, "As punishment for her wicked ways, a pair of heated iron shoes are brought forth with tongs and placed before the Queen. She is then forced to step into these and dance until she falls down dead." In this movie, the evil queen is just ordered to leave the (however small) country of Prince Charming forever. Of course, to get a rating of "0 years and up", you can't show such drastic gore...I liked the sets (castles, the dwarfs' house) and costumes (especially at the young king's wedding), as well as the dance. The dwarfs looked not so convincing to me, and didn't provide much fun. I read that "Purzelbaum, Ordnung!" was a classic appeal to kids in then East Germany, but well...After the first viewing I was a bit disappointed (maybe I had expected more interesting details?). Last night I watched it again, back to back with Dornröschen (1971), and must say that this film is worth multiple viewings.

When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989, a cornicopia of cinematic history was discovered......children's films from another time and another place. Delightful family entertainment from one of the most respected film studios in the world, DEFA Studios. Among these films, is the 1961 "Schneewittchen"....known in the English language as "Snow White". Directed by Gottfried Kolditz, "Schneewittchen" brings the 1812 fairytale by the Grimm Brothers magically to life.As the title character, Doris Weikow brings grace and charm to our heroine. When playing Snow White, it is very easy to be over the top with sweetness, making the audience mock the performance. Miss Weikow plays the part sweet, without sending the audience into sugar shock. Most fairytale heroines are written as helpless victims. Snow White is no exception. But we have to remember, in the original fable, Snow White is only a seven years old child. With severe objection to a small girl marrying an adult prince, the character is most often portrayed as a young woman, making her victim status seem somewhat ridiculous. If you can get beyond that, this Snow White will certainly win your heart.Marianne Christina Schilling plays the jealous Queen to the hilt. She truly hates her new stepdaughter. Her vanity controls her life to the point of madness. Not caring who knows she wants Snow White dead, this queen prances around the castle in full peddle woman disguise, several times being undressed by her handmaid, played by Steffie Spira. This shows the fear this new queen has put into her subjects. Although they all adore Snow White, they are helpless to come to her aid, for fear of punishment. If you love to hate a villian, then this is the villian for you!!The Seven Dwarfs in this production are adorable. Unlike most versions, these guys aren't grotesque little imps, but simply very short men. They instantly fall in love with Snow White, and it shows on each and every one of their faces. These little guys truly want to protect and care for the princess, as will the audience for that matter. And unlike the Disney version, Snow White doesn't boss them around as if they were children. As much as I love the Disney film, that always bothered me a bit.On the whole, this film is a must see if you are a Snow White fan. You won't regret watching this!!!