Hansel and Gretel: An Opera Fantasy
Encyclopedia
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 Mister Bug Goes to Town
. Anna Russell provides the voice of the witch.
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.
RKO Pictures
RKO Pictures is an American film production and distribution company. As RKO Radio Pictures Inc., it was one of the Big Five studios of Hollywood's Golden Age. The business was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum theater chains and Joseph P...
. It is based on Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert Humperdinck was a German composer, best known for his opera, Hänsel und Gretel. Humperdinck was born at Siegburg in the Rhine Province; at the age of 67 he died in Neustrelitz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.-Life:After receiving piano lessons, Humperdinck produced his first composition...
'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 Mister Bug Goes to Town
Mister Bug Goes to Town
Mr. Bug Goes to Town, also known as Hoppity Goes to Town and Bugville, is an animated feature produced by Fleischer Studios and released to theaters by Paramount Pictures on December 5, 1941...
. Anna Russell provides the voice of the witch.
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 RussellAnna RussellAnna Russell, née Anna Claudia Russell-Brown was an English–Canadian singer and comedienne. She gave many concerts in which she sang and played comic musical sketches on the piano...
as The Witch (voice) - Mildred DunnockMildred DunnockMildred Dunnock was an American theater, film and television actress.- Early life :Born in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Western Senior High School, Dunnock was a school teacher who did not start acting until she was in her early thirties...
as Mother (voice) - Frank Rogier as Father (voice)
- Constance Brigham as Hansel and Gretel (voice)
- Helen BoatwrightHelen BoatwrightHelen Boatwright was an American soprano who specialized in the performance of American song, recorded the first full-length album of songs by composer Charles Ives and had a career that spanned more than five decades....
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