Richard Chamberlain is the Prince and Gemma Craven is Cinderella in this version of the timeless story, that not only is modernized but embellished as well, with further complications (as it would play out in real life.) And not only that, but music is added. To start off with, I love the Lesley Ann Warren version, and the Julie Andrews version is good too, but this is better. You know how people love pizza or guys football, well I have discovered an all-new (to me) all-time favorite movie musical. Up there with Show Boat, Brigadoon, Easter Parade, The Band Wagon, and Singin' in the Rain is The Slipper and the Rose. The songs are out of this world, especially the love songs. The settings and landscapes are to die for, and the mood and romance between Richard and Gemma are just wonderful. Gemma Craven makes a perfect Cinderella and Richard can really sing! Also of note is the supporting cast. Margaret Lockwood, as the stepmother, was especially good, and Annette Crosbie is memorable as the fairy godmother. Dame Edith Evans sings too! Today's generation (those 25 or younger) may find fault with some of its corniness and the older men's (the King and his royal subjects) songs and their dancing. But, I challenge anyone who says they love musicals not to get carried away with this. A more perfect film there is not.

This is a Hollywood musical. It is light and fluffy, a true fairy tale. I found the music to be more fun that the Rodgers and Hammerstein version. Richard Chamberlin is a standout as the prince. Deep drama (or rather, melodrama) is present, like a dash of salt in the stew. The King is a bit goofy, adding to the fun. A nice touch is the play of the fairy godmother, who assigns her dog to keep tabs on Cinderella. The plot device of having the royal family con Cinderella into giving up the prince for his own good is very reminiscent of the Bing Crosby vehicle of a few years earlier, "The Emperor Waltz," but does play guite well. It leaves some tension in the plot regarding the (inevitable) happy ending. Watch and enjoy!

A well directed and lively choreographed music with dance version of the Cinderella story, it is generally enjoyable to watch, with great songs and music, however it is ultimately overlong and too verbose, and this may particularly be a problem for the younger viewers. Forbes' opening shots establish the atmosphere well, and there is interesting mirror work throughout. It has excellent period costumes, a great set design. and Horden is a delight in a BAFTA nominated role. It is surprisingly witty at times and rather funny, but otherwise a touch stale between the dance and music numbers, especially towards the end. The film tries to say something about how it is right to marry for love, but it does not succeed, however this is mainly due to the original material, which has an underdeveloped romance. But what can one say overall here? This is a strong vision of the classic story and good viewing in general. It could arguably be improved upon, but it is still fine as it is.

Honestly, I really wanted to love this film. The Sherman Brothers ("Mary Poppins," "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang" etc.) write great tunes. Somehow, I missed this during its original release, and now I know why. The new DVD transfer is pristine. However, it reveals a typical mid-70s film, with a muted color scheme, bland score and surprisingly inept choreography.Not a single song creates an impression. While the locations are indeed lush (Austria), I feel they are often misused. The acting is adequate. Several performance numbers grind the production to a complete halt. (The "mice" dancing their way to the "pumpkin" coach is ridiculous, as is the "kitchen hoedown" scene.) The special effects are sub-par, especially by late-70s standards.Having watched the special edition DVD, I understand the Shermans unique take on the legend - from the Prince's point of view. However, attempting any kind of musical retelling after Rodger's & Hammerstein's classic, is dubious, at best. Frankly, I kept hoping to hear those R & H classics against this more sophisticated background. My only complaint with the R & H versions (all three), is the slight campiness of the material.A few surprises in this "Slipper" version.......the opulence of Cinderella's late father's castle; it often looks nicer than the Prince's abode. The ball scene is strangely stilted. The first "reunion" of Cinderella and the Prince appears an afterthought. The peppy dance number in the royal family's mausoleum is quite bizarre!! The dog's presence is unnecessary (apparently he was owned by the director).In a nutshell, considering the talent involved, and the $5 million budget (a LOT in 1976), I really expected a classic. It is not.Yes, worth a viewing. If only I could remember ONE of the tunes.