The Slipper and the Rose (1976)

What makes The Slipper and the Rose special is how it treats the Cinderella story like a full-bodied romantic musical rather than a mere bedtime fable—sincere about love, gently satirical about courtly pressure, and always eager to charm. Bryan Forbes stages Euphrania with storybook richness and a wink of wit, letting the lavish production and buoyant humor do as much storytelling as the songs. Richard Chamberlain brings an appealing earnestness to Prince Edward, while Gemma Craven gives Cinderella a warm, grounded glow that keeps the magic from feeling sugary, and Annette Crosbie’s fairy godmother adds sparkle without stealing the heart of the film. If you’re allergic to old-school musical romance, it may feel quaint, but if you want elegant, family-friendly escapism with genuine feeling, it’s a delightful evening.

The Slipper and the Rose is aiming for a lavish, old-school Cinderella musical with sincere romance, courtly pageantry, and a gentle fairy-tale tone rather than wink-at-the-camera modernity. The problem is that the film is in love with its own elegance, so the pacing can feel drawn out and the story beats you already know get stretched well past their natural runtime. Many of the songs are pleasant without being the kind you’ll hum afterward, which makes the length more noticeable when you’re waiting for the next spark. If you enjoy 1970s costume splendor and earnest, straightforward sentiment, it’s a cozy watch; if you need tighter storytelling or truly standout musical numbers, this may test your patience.