, Le petit chaperon rouge in France

France

The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...

, Pieni Punahilkka in Finland

Finland

Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...

 and Rotkäppchen in West Germany

West Germany

West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....

) is a 1989

1989 in film

-Events:* Batman is released on June 23, and goes on to gross over $410 million worldwide.* Actress Kim Basinger and her brother Mick purchase Braselton, Georgia, for $20 million...

 American/Israeli fantasy film by Golan-Globus

Golan-Globus

The Cannon Group Inc. was an American group of companies, including Cannon Films, which produced a distinctive line of low-to-medium budget films from 1967 to 1993...

 based on the fairy tale of the same name

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood, also known as Little Red Cap, is a French fairy tale about a young girl and a Big Bad Wolf. The story has been changed considerably in its history and subject to numerous modern adaptations and readings....

 and part of the film series Cannon Movie Tales

Cannon Movie Tales

Cannon Movie Tales is the collective name for a series of films created in the late 1980s by Cannon Group producers Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, associate producer Patricia Ruben, and executive producer Itzik Kol. Filmed principally on location in Israel, these stories are generally fairy tales...

. The taglines were: "CANNON MOVIE TALES: Lavish, feature-length new versions of the world's best-loved storybook classics!" and "Rediscover the magic".

Cast

• Amelia Shankley
  Amelia Shankley
  Amelia Shankley is a British actress.Shankley is known for her role as Sara Crewe in the 1986 LWT version of A Little Princess, based upon the novel, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She first appeared in the 1985 film Dreamchild as the young Alice Liddell...
  
   - Linet
• Isabella Rossellini
  Isabella Rossellini
  Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini is an Italian actress, filmmaker, author, philanthropist, and model. Rossellini is noted for her 14-year tenure as a Lancôme model, and for her roles in films such as Blue Velvet and Death Becomes Her.-Background and early life:Rossellini is a...
  
   - Lady Jean
• Craig T. Nelson
  Craig T. Nelson
  Craig Theodore Nelson is an American actor. He is probably best known for his Emmy-winning roles as Hayden Fox on the TV series Coach, and as Steve Freeling in the 1982 film Poltergeist. He also starred in The Incredibles in 2004 as Mr...
  
   - Godfrey / Percival
• Rocco Sisto
  Rocco Sisto
  Rocco Sisto is a stage, film, television, and voice actor.On television, Sisto played young Junior Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos...
  
   - Dagger
• Helen Glazary - Nanny Bess
• Linda Kaye
  Linda Kaye Henning
  Linda Kaye Henning is an American actress who starred on the 1960s sitcom Petticoat Junction.-Early life:Henning was born in Los Angeles, California. The television producer Paul Henning, is her father, and her mother is Ruth Henning. In her youth, Linda Kaye Henning was a student of the ballet...
  
   - Badger Kate
• Amnon Meskin - Peter
• Julian Chagrin - Allen Owen
• Haim Zehavy - 1st guard
• Stuart Kingston - Villager
• Danny Segev - Villager
• Arie Moscuna - Villager
• Igor Borisov
  Igor Borisov
  Igor Anddreevich Borisov is a Russian rower who competed for the Soviet Union in the 1952 Summer Olympics.In 1952 he won the silver medal as crew member of the Soviet boat in the eights event.-External links:*...
  
   - Bartender

Plot

The story opens with Linet (Amelia Shankley

Amelia Shankley

Amelia Shankley is a British actress.Shankley is known for her role as Sara Crewe in the 1986 LWT version of A Little Princess, based upon the novel, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She first appeared in the 1985 film Dreamchild as the young Alice Liddell...

) chasing something she believes to be an elf fairy. Meanwhile a Wolf tracks her. Linet climbs a tree over a river and nearly falls. She calls for help. but recovers and makes it back to land. As she senses the Wolf watching her, she is discovered by a woodsman, Peter who scolds her for being foolish. As they walk back, Peter asks Linet why she can't stay home and be a good little girl. Linet answers how good little girls hardly ever see the world. (Lost in the Woods)

When they arrive at the house, Lady Jean (Isabella Rosselini)raises an eyebrow at Linet's disheveled condition. Linet apologizes, but tells her mother how she came close to actually seeing an elf; and if she doesn't look, then she'll never know for sure. As Lady Jean sends her inside to change, Peter comments to her how Linet is growing up and shows no fear. They then talk about how when her husband, Lord Percival, was in the castle, there was no danger. But since Percival's disappearance, his evil twin brother, Lord Godfrey has taken over and no one in the castle is safe; hence the reason why Jean and Linet live in the country. As Jean stands she suddenly sees Godfrey approaching, and Peter leaves.

Godfrey (Craig T. Nelson

Craig T. Nelson

Craig Theodore Nelson is an American actor. He is probably best known for his Emmy-winning roles as Hayden Fox on the TV series Coach, and as Steve Freeling in the 1982 film Poltergeist. He also starred in The Incredibles in 2004 as Mr...

)notes to Jean that today was the day her husband went off to war and it has been seven years since. He sternly implores that it is the right thing for Jean to marry him, but Jean flatly refuses and explains she still loves Percival. Godfrey wonders, as Percival's exact twin, how Jean could not love him when it is clear she doesn't. He offers her riches and beauty, which she refuses, but Godfrey loudly proclaims she WILL be his wife.

Later in the castle, Godfrey imprisons a farmer, Allen Owen for back taxes. As he is led away, Allen yells how Godfrey has no heart, something that enrages Godfrey. He orders Allen whipped and storms out. Godfrey goes to his chambers where the same Wolf from the beginning is lounging on a sofa. Godfrey orders "Wolf into Man, as fast as you can." The Wolf then transforms into his human form, Dagger.(Rocco Sisto

Rocco Sisto

Rocco Sisto is a stage, film, television, and voice actor.On television, Sisto played young Junior Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos...

) Godfrey repeats how Allen said he had no heart, and wonders aloud if the truth is really known, how he gave up his heart and soul to possess Dagger, the Power of the Wolf. Godfrey asks Dagger what the people are saying about him. Dagger say that the people are afraid of him, but not all. He remarks how Linet, has no fear. Godfrey replies that soon she will, like everyone else. After he leaves, Dagger sings how he's good at only one thing,(Good at Being Bad). He then goes into the village to spy around, and villagers speaking about Godfrey rapidly become quiet in his presence.

Linet awakens from a nightmare about her running through the woods and being chased by a large wolf. Lady Jean comes to comfort her and tell her there is nothing to fear. Linet asks how when there are things to fear. Jean tells her that the night will pass ('You Won't Be Here in the Morning')

The next day, Lady Jean takes a loaf of bread and goes to beg Godfrey for Allen Owen's life. Godfrey cruelly agrees, but still has Allen whipped while Jean watches. Lady Jean's servants carry him out of the castle, and Jean speaks about sending for her mother, Nanny Bess.

Linet skips down the road and arrives at Nanny Bess's country house. She tells Nanny Bess about Allen's wounds, and Nanny gathers some ointments and sneaks a red bundle into her basket. As they walk, they are watched by the Wolf. Nanny makes Linet wait outside, promising her a surprise later. Nanny and Lady Jean attend to Allen while Dagger watches from a window. Linet tries to site still but sees a goose out of its pen. She chases it near Dagger, causing him to fall into some mud. He tries another window, but falls into the river trying to avoid Linet. She goes back into the house as Nanny massages in the ointment which miraculously removes Allen's pain.

Nanny then holds a 'ceremony' involving a circle of rocks, and adorning Linet with a beautiful hooded cloak; saying it will protect her, and help her see a fairy. The next day Linet and Lady Jean bring bread to a healed Allen and farm workers. Refusing the food, Allen laments to Linet about working so hard only to gain so little, referring to the poor harvest and telling her how the land was fertile ('Green in the Blue') Everyone joins in singing and dancing but the mood changes suddenly when Lord Godfrey appears. In an attempt to quell the situation, Lady Jean speaks to Godfrey, who repeats his marriage request. Jean speaks again of her love for Percival, to which Godfrey declares is dead. Linet speaks up to her uncle, saying her father is alive; causing Godfrey to yell. He tells Jean this will be the last time he asks. As he rides away, Linet chases him on foot saying her father is alive, before running into the woods.

At first she ignores her mother's calls, but eventually Linet returns to Jean and they sadly walk home. Meanwhile, a very much alive Percival (also Craig T. Nelson), travels the road on foot and sings 'You Won't Be Here in the Morning'. He arrives at Nanny Bess's house and they exchange banter before she warmly welcomes him home. Over dinner, he tells her how he has seen the fear in people's eyes, but he did not reveal his identity. Nanny Bess warns him how Godfrey has used black magic to gain power. Percival refuses to believe his brother is that cold and cruel, but Nanny explains how Godfrey gave up his heart for power and is incapable of loving anything or anyone.

Meanwhile in the castle, Godfrey sings how Jean cannot break his heart, since he was without one ('Man Without a Heart'). He and Dagger briefly talk about love before he mentions how Allen had been healed. Dagger doesn't understand how that is possible, and Godfrey postulates someone in the village is capable of magic. He sends Dagger to find out the source of the magic and to eliminate it. He also says Lady Jean will be his and Linet is becoming a nuisance.

Dagger tries first to talk to Lady Jean, but she knows of his connection to Godfrey and avoids the subject. He then tries to talk to Badger Kate, the maid and Allen's brother, but she pushes him into the wash bin. Frustrated, he follows Kate and transforms in the Wolf. She spots him and screams for help. The villagers chase the Wolf and shoot bows and arrows. Peter joins the chase and throws his axe. When he catches up he sees Dagger in human form with a sleeve pinned to a tree by the axe. Dagger sends Peter off in another direction, and grimaces.

Percival and Nanny Bess watch Linet from afar, and Nanny Bess keeps him back, warning of Godfrey's spies. They meet up with the villagers looking for the wolf, and Peter recognizes Percival and they embrace in friendship. Peter is happy that Percival has returned to lead the people, but all Percival wants is to see Jean and Linet. Nanny Bess warns that Godfrey watches Jean too closely, but she will send for Linet to come to her house.

Jean gives Linet a basket to take to Nanny Bess. Linet promises to go straight there, but of course gets distracted when she runs into Dagger. They talk about people and how they tend to lie and mislead others, ('Never Talk to Strangers') Afterwards, Linet does reveal it was Nanny Bess who healed Allen. Dagger distracts her into picking flowers and goes ahead to Nanny Bess. He arrives at the house and tries to attack her, but she escapes. Dagger then hears Linet approaching, so he darts inside and dons Nanny Bess' cap and nightgown.

Linet arrives at the house, Dagger, disguised, convinces her to drink a potion. She does and it blurs her vision, while she dreamily goes into the bedroom. Linet looks at Dagger in the nightcap and gown and starts the famous "What big eyes you have." When she notes the big teeth, Dagger says "The better to eat you with, and bites Linet's hand. Linet backs away in fear as Dagger transforms into the Wolf and pounces on her.

Percival is talking to the villagers and reveals a secret entrance that Godfrey doesn't know about. They start to plan their attack when Nanny Bess runs up to him, screaming for help. Meanwhile, castle guards lead Lady Jean, her wrists tied, to a waiting Godfrey on horseback. He reminds her that he said he was done asking, before taking the rop and leading her back to the castle.

Percival and the villagers return to the house and see in the bed a half wolf/half human form with a bloated stomach. Percival raises his bow, but Nanny Bess stops him when she sees something moving inside the Wolf's stomach. She orders Percival to cut open the stomach, and when he does Dagger/Wolf dies; and an unharmed Linet emerges from within. She see Percival and timidly asks, "Father?" and both father and daughter embrace.

Percival leads the angry villagers towards the castle. Godfrey pulls Lady Jean along, and screams for Dagger. As Percival enters the castle gates, Godfrey reacts in fear; and his guards and Lady Jean shrink away in horror. The villagers storm the castle and Percival and Jean are reunited. Everyone finds Godfrey, cringing and groaning on his throne. He is twisting in pain and starting to take an animal-like appearance. Percival throws at Godfrey the Wolf's skinned hide, and orders him to leave.

As he staggers past the stunned villagers, Godfrey grimaces in pain. He eventually changes into a wolf and runs out of the castle gates.

As Nanny Bess, Percival, Lady Jean and Linet walk home, Linet is distracted by pretty flowers. As she picks them and sings, a fairy appears. They look at one another for a moment, but when Linet turns to answer her father, the fairy disappears. Linet smiles and runs to catch up to her family.

Soundtrack

• "Lost in the Woods"

Performed by Amelia Shankley

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

• "Good at Being Bad"

Performed by Rocco Sisto

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

• "You Won't Be Here in the Morning"

Performed by Isabella Rossellini

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

• "Green in the Blue"

Performed by Julian Chagrin

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

• "You Won't Be Here in the Morning"

(Reprise)

Performed by Craig T. Nelson

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

• "Man Without a Heart"

Performed by Craig T. Nelson

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

• "Never Talk to Strangers"

Performed by 'Amelia Shankley' and Rocco Sisto

Music by Stephen Lawrence

Lyrics by Michael Korie

Barclay Productions

External links

• Cannon Tales home page
• Red Riding Hood at zelluloid (in German)
• Red Riding Hood at MORIA
• Red Riding Hood at MGM