Your wish is granted, you shall go to the ball.

The rags to riches story Cinderella

History:

The Little Glass Slipper is a tale with thousands of variants that are told all over the globe. The earliest story starts with the Greek geographer Strab between 7 and 23 CE. This story follows a Greek slave girl who marries the king of Egypt and is usually seen as the earliest story of the Cinderella narrative.

Italian Giambattista Basile, in his Pentamerone in 1634, is credited with the story's first version in Europe.  This edition is now known as the English-speaking world version, and the French version by author Charles Perrault in 1697 was called Cendrillon, which, over time, became Cinderella. A later version was published over a hundred years later as Aschenputtel by the Brothers Grimm when they released Grimms’ Fairy Tales in 1812. 

Cinderella's animated journey truly began in 1950 when Walt Disney brought the classic fairy tale to life on the silver screen. Disney's animated feature, aptly titled "Cinderella," marked a significant milestone in animation history, becoming a cornerstone of the studio's celebrated princess line-up. Over the years, this enchanting story has seen various animated adaptations, each offering a unique take on the timeless tale.

Released in 1950, Walt Disney's Cinderella remains a timeless classic, introducing the iconic Disney Princess and spawning sequels. Additionally, Ancient History (1953) parodies this, while "Señorella and the Glass Huarache" (1964) transports the tale to a Mexican backdrop. 1972-73, Rankin/Bass and Mushi Production collaborated on a Cinderella episode for the Festival of Family Classics. Moreover, the World Famous Fairy Tale Series (Sekai meisaku dōwa) (1975-83) presents a concise 9-minute adaptation.

The heart of Cinderella's animated adaptations revolves around the rags-to-riches tale of a kind and gentle young woman mistreated by her wicked stepsisters and stepmother. With the support of her magical fairy godmother, Cinderella becomes a vision of beauty, attending the royal ball where the mysterious girl captures the heart of Prince Charming. Amidst magic, romance, and the striking midnight deadline, Cinderella's animated narratives deliver a powerful message of hope and the triumph of goodness over adversity.

In 1697, Charles Perrault penned a French version of Cinderella, adding iconic elements like the pumpkin and glass slippers. 

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella graced television and stage with a notable 1958 production in London. 1929, Mr. Cinders debuted onstage, later adapted into a film in 1934. Cindy, an Off-Broadway musical, saw its inception in 1964, enjoying numerous revivals. 

La Gatta Cenerentola, a 1976 Italian musical, offered a Neapolitan twist on the tale. Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods (1987) intertwined Cinderella with other fairy-tale characters, diverging from the Grimm Brothers' narrative. A modern rendition, Cinderella by Andrew Lloyd Webber, took the stage in 2021. In 2013, Broadway witnessed a new adaptation of Cinderella, featuring a fresh book by Douglas Carter Beane and running for 770 performances. Additionally, countless films and TV adaptations have emerged, ranging from direct retellings to loosely inspired narratives, showcasing the enduring allure of Cinderella's story.

Plot:

A prosperous widower ties the knot with an arrogant and conceited woman for his second marriage. She brings along two daughters who mirror her vanity and self-centeredness. The widower's first wife, now deceased, left behind a charming young daughter distinguished by her exceptional kindness and gentle nature.

The stepmother, envious of the young girl's charm and grace, becomes resentful, a contrast that highlights her daughters' flaws. They subject Cinderella to servitude, where she toils tirelessly daily, performing menial tasks. Once her chores are completed, she seeks solace near the fireplace for warmth, often emerging covered in ashes, earning her stepsisters' derisive moniker, "Cendrillon" (Cinderella). Despite enduring mistreatment, Cinderella bears it stoically, refraining from confiding in her father, fearing his reprimand.

Upon receiving an invitation from the prince for a grand royal ball, the stepsisters eagerly anticipate their attire for the occasion, cruelly reminding Cinderella that servants are not included in the festivities.

Cinderella cries in despair as the two stepsisters and the stepmother depart for the ball. 

Cinderella's fairy godmother appears like a shimmering vision, promptly orchestrating a miraculous transformation, restoring Cinderella to her rightful status as a noblewoman in a bid to attend the ball. With a wave of her wand, a pumpkin morphs into a splendid golden carriage, mice transmute into magnificent steeds, a rat assumes the role of the coachman, and lizards evolve into dashing footmen. Casting her enchantments further, the fairy godmother weaves Cinderella's tattered rags into an exquisite jewelled gown, adorning her feet with delicate glass slippers. As Cinderella marvels at her newfound splendour, the fairy godmother advises her to relish the festivities. Still, she cautions her to depart before midnight, when the enchantments will unravel.

While the midnight deadline is omitted in various tale renditions, Cinderella heeds the warning, bidding farewell to the ball before her stepmother and stepsisters. In the Grimms' version, Aschenputtel, as she's known, slips away discreetly, seeking refuge on her father's estate, taking cover in a tree and later in the pigeon coop to evade her pursuers. Despite her father's attempts to apprehend her by felling the trees, she cunningly evades capture, ensuring her safe return home.

Cinderella flees, leaving behind a glass slipper, initiating the search for the mysterious maiden who captured the prince's heart. The prince finds Cinderella, much to the dismay of the step-sisters, and she marries the prince and lives happily ever after. This timeless narrative has captivated audiences for generations with its themes of kindness, resilience, and the transformative power of love.

Merchandise:

Cinderella's enduring popularity has translated seamlessly into a treasure trove of merchandise. From dolls and costumes to home décor and accessories, the animated princess has graced various products that enchant fans of all ages. The merchandise celebrates the character and captures the elegance and charm of the fairy tale world.

On the Disney release in 1950, the film generated over $263m, successfully fuelling a merchandising frenzy.

Characters

Disney's Cinderella, the titular character, is portrayed as a kind-hearted and resilient young woman who maintains her optimism and grace despite enduring cruelty from her stepfamily. Cinderella's gentle nature and unwavering kindness endear her to audiences, making her a timeless and beloved protagonist. Her transformation from a mistreated servant to a radiant princess symbolises the triumph of goodness over adversity.

Cinderella's stepfamily consists of her stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. Lady Tremaine is depicted as a cunning and manipulative woman who harbours jealousy and resentment towards Cinderella. Anastasia and Drizella are portrayed as vain and selfish, often mocking and mistreating Cinderella out of envy.

The Fairy Godmother plays a pivotal role in Cinderella's story, providing her with magical assistance to attend the royal ball. With her enchanting spells and whimsical demeanour, the Fairy Godmother brings moments of wonder and fantasy to the narrative.

Lastly, initially introduced as a mysterious figure, the Prince becomes Cinderella's love interest and eventual saviour. His quest to find the owner of the glass slipper demonstrates his determination and commitment to finding true love.

Together, these characters weave a tale of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of love, captivating audiences of all ages for generations.

Around the World:

Cinderella's universal appeal transcends cultural boundaries, making her one of the most beloved animated characters globally. The story of resilience and the pursuit of dreams resonates with audiences worldwide, resulting in numerous international adaptations and translations. The iconic glass slipper has imprinted on diverse cultures, reaffirming Cinderella's status as a timeless symbol of hope and enchantment.

Fun Facts:

• Disney's 1950 animated feature marked the studio's return to producing full-length animated films after a hiatus during World War II. Cinderella became a critical and commercial success, cementing Disney's position as an animation industry leader.

• The character of Cinderella has appeared in various Disney spin-offs, sequels, and television series, expanding the animated princess's narrative beyond the original film.

• Cinderella's castle has become an iconic symbol at Disney theme parks worldwide, representing the magic and fantasy associated with the beloved fairy tale.

In conclusion, Cinderella's animated legacy is a testament to the enduring power of this magical fairy tale. From its historical significance to its global impact, the animated versions of Cinderella continue to captivate audiences, enchanting new generations and reaffirming the timeless allure of happily ever after. 

Although this piece can’t encompass everything Cinderella, I am sure you can see the global impact this story has had throughout its history that continues today.