Cinderella (1947)-A Lighthearted and Humorous Retelling of a Classic Tale

When it comes to movies, and almost anything one takes the time to critically analyze, we often find it is easier to describe how something is bad, rather than how it is good. Or it may be that, with things we don't enjoy, we naturally will find many things to criticize based on what our common expectations are. I find this is true in my case, so this review is probably the most difficult one I have sat down to write yet, as there is one particular detail that strikes me about this 1947 version of “Cinderella,” produced by Russian film Company, Lenfilm Studios; its really very funny.

But the weird thing is; this isn't really a comedy. It feels more like the comedy, which is usually character-based mind you, is seamlessly woven into the overall plot, rather than being the general focus. Despite this, I couldn't help but notice that there are some really funny moments all over the place in this movie. There is a running gag where the Prince's father continuously 'rejects' his crown, declaring that he is quitting the throne and going to become a monk. It may not sound like much, but the vibrant performance of the King, (played by Erast Garin) makes his scenes extremely enjoyable to watch. (I should also note that this is the earliest made adaptation of Cinderella I have seen that gives the King a place in the story.) A lot of other parts of the film's humor revolve around the performance of the stepmother, who in the beginning bemoans that she does all the work around the house and never gets any help, all while trying on hats and readying herself for the Royal Ball.

These wonderful characters and performances are what made this movie stick out in my mind above all the adaptations I have yet seen, and I would say the film merits viewing simply for that alone. But the film is also great adaptation of the story of Cinderella, sticking very close to the sequence of events of Perrault's version. Yanina Zheymo, who plays Cinderella, does a wonderful job of bringing the character to life, and giving us the sense that she is really suffering and longs for a better life. As this film is also considered a musical, I should note that she has a lovely singing voice and gives some wonderful vocal performances in the film.

I also really do think the writing in this particular version is superb, because it constantly emphasizes the importance of Cinderella's kindness and patience throughout, which addresses some personal qualms I have had with other versions that merely allude to Cinderella's good nature, but don't really communicate the message that Cinderella's good fortune comes to pass due to her always being kind and dutiful, despite her hardships. I have always felt that that is the most important message to take away from Cinderella, but that many adaptations don't do the best job of portraying it.

This version, however, has Cinderella do things like mend the King's collar when she is at the Ball, which puts her in his good favor, and vouch for her towards the end when one of the evil stepsisters tries to pass for Cinderella by wearing the Crystal slipper. It also has her Fairy Godmother, as well as her young apprentice, state that it is Cinderella's kindness, patience, and diligence which has earned their affections for her. While Cinderella as a story has often been accused as having a moral which suggests that simply waiting and wishing for a better life will bring it to you, I have always interpreted the message to be that if you are kind, life's hardships will not burden you forever, perhaps because your good nature attracts the aid of a friend who can help you through difficult times, or it can also be due to the nature of Karma, which ultimately rewards people who go through their lives while being generous and giving to others. These are the two messages I think were intended by Perrault, and I believe, out of all the adaptations I have seen, this Russian version, (along with perhaps Disney's Cinderella, which I also think is excellent) has done the best job of communicating this moral. Overall, I found this to be a great movie, and I think that people who are looking for a fun, lighthearted, and somewhat different Cinderella film, I believe you would definitely enjoy this charming little flick.