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
- Anna Russell as The Witch (voice)
- Mildred Dunnock as Mother (voice)
- Frank Rogier as Father (voice)
- Constance Brigham as Hansel and Gretel (voice)
- Helen Boatwright as Dew Fairy (voice)
- Delbert Anderson as Sandman (voice)
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
- Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy at the Internet Movie Database
- Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy is available for free download at the Internet Archive
- Blog with history of the film and pictures
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