Movie 15 - "Cinderella"

So, in continuing the whole "Royal Wedding" theme, I decided on Disney's version of Cinderella tonight.  In 1950, Disney released, what could be called, the ultimate fairy tale.  Cinderella has been retold so many times since written, but I think this is the version most people associate with.  What can I say?  Disney and his team of writers and animators were geniuses. 

Now I really don't think I need to tell the story of Cinderella to you.  But for the sake of the blog, I will.  Cinderella is a young woman, orphaned as a child, and being raised by her stepmother, Lady Tremaine who is voiced by Eleanor Audley(she also voiced Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty).  What a perfect evil stepmother voice she has, too!  She also has two daughters, Cinderella's stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella.  They are just about the most annoying and idiotic human beings possible.  After Cinderella's father dies, Lady Tremaine turns Cinderella into a servant in her own home.  She must wait on the others hand and foot!  After many years of this treatment, Cinderella never quite loses hope for a happy ending.  Helping her along the way are her many animal friends.  Most importantly Bruno, the dog, and the mice, especially Jaques and Gus (my fav!).  He is the chubby one with the hilarious voice.  "Take'er easy...uh...cluck cluck."  Ha!  Anyway!  One day an invitation comes inviting all the ladies in the kingdom to a royal ball so the Prince can find a bride, whether he likes it or not.  At first, the stepmother tells Cinderella she may attend the ball.  Then, however, her and the evil sisters make her work all day and then destroy the dress the animals had surprised her with.  The family leaves Cinderella in tattered tears.  Enter Fairy Godmother.  A few "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boos" later and Cinderella is on her way to the ball in a beautiful new dress and fancy coach.  The only stipulation is a strict midnight curfew.  Once at the ball, the Prince lays eyes on Cinderella and he is blinded to anyone else.  It is love at first sight for them both.  She doesn't even know he is the prince.  When the clock strikes midnight, Cinderella rushes off, leaving behind only a glass slipper.  This begins the crazed search for the owner of that glass slipper.  Well, long story short, evil stepcow figures out it was Cinderella and locks her in a tower when the Duke comes to try the shoe on the girls.  She wants the shoe to fit on one of her daughters.  This is where we see true hatred in her face.  The whole scene darkens around her.  Creepola!  The animals come to Cinderella's rescue and she comes running down the stairs at the last second!  Only what does the stepmother do?  Trip the Duke, which causes the slipper to shatter.  Not to worry!  Cinderella reveals the other slipper, which of course fits perfectly.  And the rest is history.  Cinderella and the Prince live happily ever after, while the stepmother and her daughters are left to bicker and be miserable for the rest of their years.

I love this movie!  However, probably not for the same reasons as most girls.  This movie has some really funny moments!  The sisters "Sing Sweet Nightingale" scene.  Fantastic!  And their scene when they meet the Prince...they could not be any more hideous!  Not to mention, Ilene Woods has the most beautiful voice.  She is definitely one of my favorites to sing along with.  I had forgotten how much I liked it until I watched it again tonight.  Go visit your childhood and watch it.  It is worth the trip down memory lane.