ENGL 112A, Literature for Children

Professor Sigler

 
Major Characters:

Cinderella (Illene Woods )

Lady Tremaine (Eleanor Audley)

Fairy Godmother ( Verna Felton)

Drizella (Claire Du Brey, Rhoda Williams) 

Anastasia (Lucille Bliss)

Gus/Jacques/Bruno (James G. MacDonald)

Prince Charming (William Phipps)

As you watch and take notes, look for details to help you discuss the following issues:

• Characterizations: How are Cinderella, her stepmother and stepsisters, and the prince portrayed in this film? What details are used to make their characters "rounder" than in the original version of the tale?

• Theme: What are the major themes of this film? Or, as some critics have argued, does this film tend only to provide uncomplicated morals instead?

• Audience: Is this film directed towards children, adolescents, adults, or all three? What aspects of the film are targeted to each audience?

• "Disnification": What aspects of the traditional tale have the Disney studios retained? What have they added that we tend to associate with a "Disney movie"? Does this "Disnification" change the original meaning of the tale? What differences and similarities can you find between this film and other literary versions?

• Stereotypes: Disney films are often criticized for relying too heavily on gender, class and racial stereotypes. Do you notice them resorting to such stereotypes in this film? Are there instances where you notice them attempting to subvert such stereotypes?

Click here to view a collection of historic editions of Cinderella from the deGrummond Collection.