Rodgers & Hammerstein's 1965 Cinderella Cast - A Look Back
Humanized Version
It's a wonderful thing, you know, when a story truly captures people's hearts, and some tales just seem to live on forever. The story of Cinderella is definitely one of those, a classic narrative that has been told and retold, finding its way into countless homes over the years. We're going to take a little stroll down memory lane, so, to speak, to revisit a particular moment when this beloved tale graced television screens in a rather memorable way.
Back in the day, after a previous live show of Cinderella had truly charmed a lot of viewers, the folks at the network, CBS, thought it would be a pretty good idea to bring that magic back. This wasn't just any rerun, mind you; they decided to put together a whole new television version, making sure to capture that special feeling again. It was, in a way, a chance to share the story with a fresh audience while still honoring what made it so special to begin with.
This particular telling, the 1965 version, brought with it a fresh script, though it stayed quite close to the traditional story everyone knew and loved. What's more, nearly all the original songs that people had come to cherish were kept, performed just as they had been before, which is that, a really comforting touch. It's interesting to see how they managed to keep the essence while giving it a slightly different feel, and we'll certainly talk more about the amazing people who made it all happen.
Table of Contents
- Who was Lesley Ann Warren in the 1965 Cinderella Cast?
- Lesley Ann Warren - Personal Details
- What Made the 1965 Cinderella Cast So Special?
- How Did the 1965 Cinderella Cast Come Together?
- The Creative Minds Behind the 1965 Cinderella Cast
- Was the 1965 Cinderella Cast Well-Received?
- Remembering the 1965 Cinderella Cast Today
- Where Can You See the 1965 Cinderella Cast Now?
Who was Lesley Ann Warren in the 1965 Cinderella Cast?
When you think about the 1965 Cinderella, one name really stands out, and that's Lesley Ann Warren. She took on the central character, the one who eventually finds her way to the ball, and it was quite a significant moment for her. Born on August 16, 1946, Lesley Ann Warren is an American performer who sings, acts, and dances. Her appearance in this television musical truly brought her into the public eye, giving her a lot of recognition for her portrayal of the kind young woman in the story. It was, in some respects, a moment that really shaped her career.
Before stepping into the glass slippers, she had already made her way onto the Broadway stage. Her first appearance there was in a show called "110 in the Shade" back in 1963. So, she wasn't entirely new to the world of live performance, but this television role was something else entirely. She mentioned how excited she was, but also, you know, quite nervous to be stepping onto that set. It was her first time in a starring role on television, and she was surrounded by people she saw as truly legendary figures, almost like royalty, which is that, a pretty big deal for anyone just starting out.
Following her time as Cinderella, Lesley Ann Warren continued to appear in prominent roles. She went on to star in a couple of musical films for Disney. There was "The Happiest Millionaire" in 1967, and then "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band." These roles helped cement her place as a familiar face in family entertainment, and, basically, showed her range as a performer. It's clear that the 1965 Cinderella really opened a lot of doors for her, allowing her to take on these other memorable parts.
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Lesley Ann Warren - Personal Details
Here's a quick look at some personal information about Lesley Ann Warren, the actress who played the main character in the 1965 Cinderella cast:
| Birth Date | August 16, 1946 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Acting, Singing, Dancing |
| Notable Early Role | Title role in 1965 Cinderella (TV musical) |
| Broadway Debut | 110 in the Shade (1963) |
What Made the 1965 Cinderella Cast So Special?
The group of performers brought together for the 1965 Cinderella was, honestly, quite something. It wasn't just about Lesley Ann Warren, though she was certainly a bright presence. The show featured a collection of actors who were, in a way, just as remarkable as those who had been in the original 1957 production. This version truly had a collection of well-known faces and fresh talent, which really helped it shine. It was a blend of experience and new energy that made the whole thing feel very special.
Think about some of the names involved. You had Ginger Rogers and Walter Pidgeon taking on the parts of the king and queen, bringing a certain regal charm to the production. These were performers with a lot of experience, and their presence really added a sense of grandeur to the royal court. Then there was Celeste Holm, who many might remember as Ado Annie from the original "Oklahoma!" She played the fairy godmother, a truly vital role in the story, and she brought her own unique sparkle to the part. It's almost like they assembled a little constellation of stars for the occasion.
The collection of talent for the 1965 Cinderella was, for many, simply enchanting. Beyond the main characters, the show also included Jo Van Fleet, another seasoned performer, and the charming Stuart Damon as the prince. He was the handsome figure who danced with the main character at the ball. With Lesley Ann Warren as the newest young talent, these performers, in a way, gave new energy to a story that everyone already held dear. They didn't just act; they seemed to bring the tale to life in a way that felt fresh and familiar all at once.
How Did the 1965 Cinderella Cast Come Together?
The decision to put together this particular version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella came about after the earlier success of the 1957 live broadcast. That show, with Julie Andrews in the main role, had done really well on CBS, so the network decided it was a good idea to create another television version. This time, however, they brought in a new writer, Joseph Schrank, to craft a fresh script. This new story stuck closer to the traditional telling, which, you know, probably made it feel even more like the fairy tale many grew up with.
The new production, which was shown on February 22, 1965, starred a young Lesley Ann Warren, as we've discussed, opposite Stuart Damon. They were the central figures, the ones whose love story unfolded on screen. But, as we've touched upon, they were joined by a group of truly experienced performers. This included the familiar faces of Celeste Holm, Walter Pidgeon, and Ginger Rogers. It was, in a way, a thoughtful mix of established talent and promising new faces, which really helps a show feel well-rounded.
When it came to the music, almost all of the original songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein's score were kept. They were performed in their original settings, so viewers could enjoy the familiar tunes just as they remembered them. A little addition was made to the score, though: a song called "Loneliness of Evening." This particular piece had actually been written for another show, "South," but it found a fitting home within this Cinderella production. It's interesting how they managed to weave in a new element while keeping the core musical identity intact, so, that was a clever touch.
The Creative Minds Behind the 1965 Cinderella Cast
Beyond the people we saw on screen, there was a whole group of creative individuals working behind the scenes to bring the 1965 Cinderella to life. The version from 1965 was guided by Charles S. Dubin, who was the director. He was responsible for bringing the story to the screen, making sure all the pieces fit together. Then there was Eugene Loring, who handled the choreography, meaning he put together all the dance sequences. It's pretty amazing to think about all the coordination that goes into something like that, you know, making sure everyone moves just right.
This production was recorded on videotape at CBS Television City in Hollywood for later broadcast. This was how television shows were often made back then, capturing the performances to be shown to a wider audience at a set time. It speaks to the effort involved, putting everything together in a studio setting. For many, this show became a cherished memory, something they watched with family. One person even recalled watching it at their paternal grandparents' house, which, basically, shows how much of a shared experience it was for many households across the country.
Was the 1965 Cinderella Cast Well-Received?
The 1965 Cinderella, with its remarkable group of performers, was shown on February 22, 1965. For many who watched it then, it was certainly an enjoyable experience. However, opinions can differ, and sometimes, a production might not stand out as the very best version of a story for everyone. One audience member, looking back from 2023, gave it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars, noting that while people surely enjoyed it at the time, it might not be considered the definitive telling of Cinderella. It's interesting how perspectives change over time, isn't it?
When we talk about the most well-known musical retelling of the Cinderella story, especially in the minds of many people, it's pretty hard to move past the Disney cartoon version. That animated film, for a lot of folks, holds a very special place as the ultimate musical telling. So, while the 1965 production was certainly a significant event, and a lot of people probably really liked it, it had some tough competition in terms of what people remember as the absolute standard. Still, it definitely had its own unique charm and brought the story to life in a different way, which is that, pretty cool.
Despite any comparisons, the 1965 cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella was, for many, nothing short of wonderful. The presence of seasoned performers like Walter Pidgeon, Celeste Holm, Ginger Rogers, and Jo Van Fleet, alongside the charming Stuart Damon as the prince and the fresh face of Lesley Ann Warren, truly brought a new energy to a tale that everyone knew so well. They seemed to breathe new life into everyone's favorite fairy tale, making it feel current and engaging for its time. It was, in a way, a very welcome addition to the story's history.
Remembering the 1965 Cinderella Cast Today
Even after all these years, the 1965 Cinderella production holds a place in the hearts of many. It was, after all, the first time many people saw Lesley Ann Warren on television, introducing her to the world in a big way. The show aired for the first time fifty years ago from a certain point in time, and that's a long stretch, so, to still be talked about says something about its lasting impact. It's a testament to the story itself, and also to the people who brought it to life, that it continues to be remembered.
The cast and crew behind "Cinderella (1965)" can still be explored through various resources. You can find detailed information about the performers, their other work, and insights from the creative team. This helps people who are curious about the show, or perhaps want to revisit it, to really get a sense of who was involved and what went into making it. It allows us to, you know, connect with the people who were part of this moment in television history.
Where Can You See the 1965 Cinderella Cast Now?
If you're feeling a bit nostalgic, or maybe you've just heard about this version and want to see it for yourself, you're in luck. You can stream Cinderella now! This means that the performances of Ginger Rogers, Walter Pidgeon, Celeste Holm, Jo Van Fleet, and of course, Lesley Ann Warren, are still available for people to watch. It's pretty cool that something from so long ago can still be so accessible, allowing new generations to experience it, or for older fans to relive a cherished memory.
The story itself, about a teenage girl who faces unkindness but finds her way to a royal ball with the help of a fairy godmother, is timeless. And this particular telling, just a little over an hour and a quarter in length, continues to be a part of the family, fantasy, music, and drama genres. It shows up on lists of popular movies and is still something people search for. So, in a way, the legacy of the 1965 Cinderella cast and their work lives on, offering a glimpse into a beloved fairy tale as it was presented to a television audience many years ago.
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Cinderella - TheTVDB.com
The Cast of Cinderella (1965) | Our 60th anniversary celebrations
The Cast of Cinderella (1965) | Our 60th anniversary celebrations
