Faerie Tale Theatre - Hansel and Gretel

Starring:Joan Collins, Rick Schroder, Bridgette Andersen, Paul Dooley
Director: James Frawley
Studio: Starmaker II
Product Type: DVD

Description

A brother and sister are abandoned in the forest by their wicked stepmother where they come across a witch who decides to make them part of her dinner.

Customer Reviews:

DON'T TAKE CANDY FROM STRANGERS IN THIS DARK, SPOOKY STORY.......2007-07-03

The trademarks of Shelley Duvall's outstanding "Faerie Tale Theatre" Series are superb casting and remarkable faithfulness to the original classic stories. Kudos to Duvall, director James Frawley, and writer Patricia Resnick for retaining the dark and spooky tone of "HANSEL AND GRETEL." This may be the grimmist of all the Grimm Fairy Tales, but it makes for one of the best "Faerie Tale Theatre" productions (1982).
Joan Collins, then at the height of her popularity as witchy Alexis on "DYNASTY", has a performing field day as both the Selfish Stepmother and the hideous Witch who terrorizes the title tots. As the Witch, Collins is every bit as terrorfying as Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch Of The West in "THE WIZARD OF OZ." When the Witch shoves Hansel (Rick(y) Schroder) into a cage, there is another victim inside as well. As the Witch drags the pudgey boy off to the oven, Hansel gets a glimpse of his grizsly fate. The scene where Gretel finally pushes the hideous hag into her own oven is genuinely frightening.
Bridgette Anderson makes an apple-faced, angelic Gretel. Does anyone know whatever happened to her? Rick(y) Schroder, of "THE CHAMP" re-make, "SILVER SPOONS," "N.Y.P.D. BLUE", "STRONG MEDICINE", and dozens of TV movies, is stalwart and protective as big brother Hansel. Paul Dooley completes the cast as their rather milqtoast, put-upon father.

Hansel & Gretel- one of the best in FTT collection.......2006-09-08

"Nibble nibble little mouse, who is eating up my house??..."
says the witch from inside the gingerbread house to Hansel and Gretel as they feast on the chocolate chimney and candy window.........

I have to say, this is my favorite out of the ones of I have seen in the FTT Collection. Joan Collins (who plays the evil stepmother as well as the witch) does an excellent job; she give both roles a flawless performance. The musical score is also excellent, and keeps in tune to what is going on in the film.

I just received this one on DVD and hadn't seen it since I was probably about 12. What a way to bring back childhood memories!I'm going to collect these so when I have children someday, they will be able to enjoy Faerie Tale Theatre as much as I have.

Hansel & Gretel...one of the best

Faerie Tale Theatre's finest........2005-02-15

"I'm only an old woman with poor, weak eyes. Don't be frightened; no harm will come to you. Come, come inside with me and I will take care of you . . . " The witch beckons Hansel and Gretel to enter her gingerbread cottage.

The dark and captivating world created by the Brothers Grimm is wonderfully depicted in this, the finest in the Faerie Tale Theatre series with costumes and set designs based on the unique work of English illustrator Arthur Rackham. Ricky Schroder and Bridgette Anderson star as the brother and sister who are abandoned deep in the forest by their woodcutter father (Paul Dooley) and their scheming and manipulative stepmother, played brilliantly by Joan Collins. It comes as a surprise to many viewers that Joan Collins also plays the part of the witch and is unrecognizable due to an incredible make-up job transforming her into a terrifying witch out of a Rackham illustration. Joan Collins was actually nominated for a Cable ACE Award in 1983 for her roles in Hansel and Gretel.

Everything about this episode of Faerie Tale Theatre is perfect, from the way it is shot to the musical score, some of which is adapted from Engelbert Humperdinck's famous `Hansel and Gretel' opera.

I highly recommend this thrilling episode of Faerie Tale Theatre, it will entertain all ages and now that it is available on DVD it can be viewed with perfect picture and sound.

one of the best!.......2004-10-25

HANSEL AND GRETEL is one of the best in the FAERIE TALE THEATRE series, with lush costume and set designs based on the classic storybook illustrations of Arthur Rackham.

Young Hansel and Gretel (Rick Schroder and Bridgette Andersen) are abandoned in the forest by their cruel stepmother (Joan Collins). The children happen across a magical cottage entirely made of gingerbread and sweets, which is owned by an evil witch...

Joan Collins plays the dual-roles of the stepmother and the witch, and gives a fantastic performance as both characters. Paul Dooley plays the children's well-meaning father.

One of the best of FAERIE TALE THEATRE's earlier episodes.

Faerie Tale Theatre on DVD.......2004-09-18

After years of waiting, Faerie Tale Theatre fans can finally own the series on DVD. Shelley Duvall's series originally appeared on Showtime 20 years ago and featured well-known and rising stars of the time. The series' enthusiastic interpretations of beloved fairy tales has made it a cult classic. Better yet, the DVD prices are affordable, especially after the high prices the used VHS copies have been earning in recent years.

About this episode:

Abandoned by their parents, a brother and sister are lost in the woods and stumble across a fantastic cottage. Unfortunately, a witch lives in it and she doesn't want to keep her houseguests for long. This is one of the scarier of the Faerie Tale Theatre episodes, especially since young children play the roles and Joan Collins plays a scary witch, but it's a children's favorite nevertheless.

Cast:
Joan Collins ... The Witch/Evil Stepmother
Rick Schroder ... Hansel
Bridgette Andersen ... Gretel