Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy

Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy

DVD cover
Directed by Michael Myerberg
John Paul
Written by Padraic Colum
Starring Anna Russell
Mildred Dunnock
Frank Rogier
Constance Brigham
Helen Boatwright
Delbert Anderson
Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures
Release dates
 10 October 1954
Running time
 72 minutes
Country USA
Language English

Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy is a stop motion animated film that was created in 1954 and released by RKO Radio Pictures. It is based on Engelbert Humperdinck's opera Hänsel und Gretel, and contains many musical numbers. It was the first American feature length animated film not made by Disney since 1941's Mr. Bug Goes to Town. Anna Russell provides the voice of the witch, noted dramatic actress Mildred Dunnock (Death of a Salesman) provides the voice of Hansel and Gretel's mother, and several noted opera singers of the time provide the voices of the other characters.

The film was sold to television only four years after it was released, where it became a Christmas season tradition on several affiliate stations. It was shown on NBC during the holiday season of 1987.

This film is considered a cult classic, and has been distributed on VHS many times. A DVD was released in 2001, although the quality of the print is questionable.

The puppets used in the film are called "kineman" characters. They took fifteen years to develop. The filmmakers used a secret chemical for "flesh" and "hair", and the characters had magnetized feet. They were also called "exemplary actors," and are able to duplicate natural movements, as well as a variety of facial expressions.

Cast

Awards and nominations

Winner of
New England Film & Video Festival - Finalist
Dove Foundation Family Approved Seal
A NAIRD Award Finalist
Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence
Coilition for Quality Children's Video: Kids First! Endorsement

Soundtrack

An LP of this film's soundtrack was released in 1954. It is out of print and not available in CD format.

External links