The Glass Slipper (1955)

Absolutely Fantastic

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

The story of Cinderella has always been one of my favourites, both the Charles Perrault and Grimm Brothers versions. An adaptation of Cinderella should ideally enchant, and The Glass Slipper certainly does that.It does just fall short of being perfect. Wasn't entirely about Michael Wilding as the Prince, the character is a little bland to begin with but Wilding plays the role rather charmlessly and seemed somewhat too mature. Was also mixed on the ballet sequences, they are exquisitely designed, beautifully and cleverly choreographed and danced with grace but had a tendency to go on for a little too long and to slow the film down.Otherwise, The Glass Slipper is a lovely film and for me one of the better versions of Cinderella. It looks absolutely fabulous, with elegant costuming, truly beautiful and charming scenery and settings and it is very lovingly filmed with a warm hazy glow and sumptuous colour with every transition flowing well into the next without looking choppy. The music has a good amount of whimsy which is a good match for the story, also managing to be perfectly pleasant and hummable (Take My Love is quite sweet).The script has some clever touches that should be done more, like what is done with the Fairy Godmother, Ella and the Prince's pre-ball encounter, the villagers' treatment of Ella and the idea to have the stepsisters beautiful on the outside, and has far more depth that one would think. Although I do wish there was more done with the transformation scene, one of the best bits of the story, The Glass Slipper manages to the magical and enchanting spirit of the story while having a bit of freshness (something that I loved about the recent adaptation), which is amazing considering how often this story has been done on film and how potentially narratively sketchy the story can be. It may be a bit staid and measured for some, but for me it was not a problem, only in the ballet sequences did the film feel a tad draggy.Wilding aside, the performances are great, with particular mention going to Leslie Caron's very charming Ella, still looking beautiful even in rags and covered in soot (there is a certain brattiness at times with Caron, which is unusual for Cinderella, but considering Ella's predicament it is somewhat realistic) and Estelle Winwood's splendidly daffy and affecting Fairy Godmother. While the stepmother has been more strongly written elsewhere (like the quite creepy characterisation in the Disney version), Elsa Lanchester is genuinely beastly in the role, and the stepsisters of Amanda Blake and Lisa Daniels show strong comic timing and real nastiness. Barry Jones is amusing as the King, and it was nice to see Keenan Wynn so subtle.All in all, The Glass Slipper is a lovely, if not flawless, adaptation of a justifiably popular and oft-filmed fairy tale, standing out as one of the better versions too. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I hope that each successive generation of viewers can continue to discover and experience Leslie Caron's magic. This film, The Glass Slipper, is not very good but watching it you get what you might say is the "Leslie Caron Experience".Anytime you are downcast or blue you can watch a Leslie Caron film from that era and immediately be mood-enhanced and lifted up by her. So, do I recommend you watch this film? You bet I do. You will see what a transcendent film star really is.Michael Wilding is handsome. And pleasant. That's about it, but thats all he is supposed to be.I don't care for the choreography, except for when Ms. Caron is doing ballet alone- of course, it is truly magic. Her scene alone in front of a closed door as she drapes herself down the steps is classic and simply beautiful.The main musical score is excellent.

***This comment may contain spoilers.*** One of the best versions of "Cinderella" that has ever been filmed. Leslie Caron gives a splendid performance as Ella. Michael Wilding also does a good job as Prince Charming. Estelle Winwood is hilarious as a kleptomaniac "fairy godmother". Elsa Lanchester does a fine job playing the wicked stepmother. The supporting cast gives good performances also, including Keenan Wynn as the prince's valet, and Amanda Blake and Lisa Daniels as the wicked stepsisters. This version is also highly original. Caron's Cinderella tries to make friends, but is laughed at. Winwood's godmother is a bookish and well-read person. Superb direction by Charles Walters (LILI, also starring Caron), and includes two fantasy ballet scenes! A film for the whole family! Recommended. 10/10.

I remember seeing this enchanting film for the first time when I was 10 or so and I've been fascinated with Leslie Caron's characterization of `Cinder' Ella ever since. Those beautiful expressive eyes! Some have called Caron's portrayal `bratty' but I think her Ella is not only convincing but also heartwarming. Of course you are supposed to feel bad for this dirty little servant girl who is forced to take out the ashes, but instead of feeling sorry for herself, she continues to `act out' against those who shun her, which I think gives her an appealingly strong character. The art direction and costuming are gorgeous! Cinderella's massive pink and frilly `borrowed' ball gown is exquisitely detailed with crystals and roses, and the glass slippers are pure magic! As a dancer I find the ballet dream sequences quite impressive and exciting to watch, but my one main problem with this film would have be casting Michael Wilding as a ballet dancer in the Princess Tehara dream sequence. Wilding is obviously not a dancer and I wished they had cast someone who could actually hold his own next to Caron's wonderful technique. Estelle Winwood as Mrs. Toquet is certainly worth the price of admission.and then some! She is a funny, poignant and an amusing fairy godmother. Overall I find The Glass Slipper a wonderfully delightful diversion!