Three Wishes for Cinderella

Cinderella on a horse talks to the prince

If you already know Václav Vorlíček’s Three Wishes for Cinderella it’ll most likey be because you grew up on it. It’s a tradition in some European countries to watch it at Christmas. A Czech/East German co-production made in the days of the Iron Curtain, its appeal is obvious as soon as it gets going. It gives it to us straight – a good, old-fashioned fairy tale so traditional it could be half-timbered, with virtuous maidens and hissable villains, noble rulers and stout yeoman. All is in its place and all is right in the world. That said, there is no fairy godmother, no pumpkin coach and no glass slipper. Instead the nearest we … Read more