Table of contents:
- The Golden Goose, 1964, East Germany
- "Three nuts for Cinderella", 1973, Czechoslovakia, East Germany
- The Little Mermaid, 1976, Czechoslovakia
- "Regentruda", 1976, GDR
- "The Third Prince", 1982, Czechoslovakia
- "King Thrushbeard", 1965, East Germany
- Goldilocks, 1973, Czechoslovakia
- "Golden Fern", 1963, Czechoslovakia
Video: Fantasy of the Soviet era: Favorite movie tales from the countries of the socialist camp
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
For all those born and raised in the USSR, the screening of fairy tales on TV was a great joy. But when, in addition to Russian films, I was able to watch a Czech, Polish or GDR movie fairy tale, the delight was of a very special kind. Filmed in the scenery of historic knightly castles, the works of filmmakers from friendly countries looked especially magical and left an unforgettable experience. Until now, these films continue to be loved by a huge number of viewers who have grown up for a long time.
It is interesting that not in all countries the adaptation of children's fairy tales in the 60s and 70s stood out as a separate genre. The USSR and the countries of Eastern Europe were, rather, an exception to the rule. The whole world was then guided by the products of the Disney film studio, but their work was strikingly different from what the Czech, Polish and German filmmakers did. Cinema historians believe that the genre that was then created in the countries of the socialist camp is closest to what today we call the world of fantasy. But with regard to the age category, many of them today would quite fall into the "16+", and this was, by the way, their special charm. Fairy tales that were clearly not created for the smallest spectators, except for children, conquered young people, and adults too. Real knightly castles and costumes, which sometimes amazed with their beauty, wealth and authenticity, gave a special flavor to the cinematic fairy tales.
The Golden Goose, 1964, East Germany
A funny and very bright movie fairy tale has been a real benchmark for the creators of children's fairy worlds for many years. It should be noted that the filmmakers approached the selection of the cast very seriously. Kaspar Eichel, who embodied the image of the cheerful "fool" Klaus, played Hamlet on stage during these years (the actor, by the way, is still filming, despite his advanced age), and Karin Ugovski, the leading actress of Maxim Gorky's theater, became his partner on the set. in Berlin, in subsequent years - a member of the German Film Academy.
"Three nuts for Cinderella", 1973, Czechoslovakia, East Germany
This truly iconic fairy tale is still considered one of the best movie masterpieces for children. It is interesting that in many European countries it means about the same to the audience as the famous New Year's films for us. In the Czech Republic, Germany and Norway, this fairy tale has traditionally been shown on television every Christmas for over 30 years, and in the Czech Republic it was recognized as the best fairytale film of the twentieth century. For the wonderful acting duo Libushe Shafrankova and Pavel Travnichka, Three Nuts became the beginning of a real fabulous film career, they then turned into princes and princesses more than once on the screens. By the way, both still sometimes take part in a special festival, which is held annually at the Moritzburg castle (at the filming location) in honor of the famous film.
It should be noted that the main fairy-tale prince of Czech cinema has, of course, been a favorite of women all his life. This is confirmed by his four marriages. By the way, in 2017, the 67-year-old actor and his young wife Monica had a son. But Libuše has been leading a very modest lifestyle for many years. The actress does not like to give interviews and in every possible way protects the family from the press.
The Little Mermaid, 1976, Czechoslovakia
It is interesting that, starting the filming of this film, the director Karel Kahinya really wanted to work with Libusha Shafrankova, but the actress ceded this role to her younger sister Miroslava. In general, the Czech filmmaker was inspired by the Soviet film "Amphibian Man" to film Andersen, but, unfortunately, technical capabilities did not allow him to realize underwater shooting, and the whole fairy tale was filmed "on land".
"Regentruda", 1976, GDR
Everyone who saw this fairy tale in childhood remembered its amazing gloomy atmosphere. If there is a genre of "horror stories for children", then this creation of German filmmakers belongs to it. Fortunately, in the end, good still triumphs over evil. A couple of lovers - Andres and his bride Maren, are controlled by the evil fire magician Feuerbart, who dried up the whole earth, and return water to people. Despite the simple special effects, the film really was incredibly memorable. By the way, the network is now talking about the psychological phenomenon of "Regentrudes". You can find a lot of reviews from adults whose childhood was in the 80s, and who note that this particular tale became one of the most terrible memories of their youth, but at the same time everyone liked it terribly. Such contradictory feelings can be caused by art.
"The Third Prince", 1982, Czechoslovakia
Another memorable Czech film, where, almost ten years later, Libuše Shafrankova and Pavel Travnichek met again on the set. This time the beautiful prince and princess even “split in two”: Travnichek played two twin brothers at once, and Libuše played princess Milena and the princess of Diamond Rocks.
Perhaps movie lovers will also be pleased to remember beautiful fairy tales from their childhood:
"King Thrushbeard", 1965, East Germany
Goldilocks, 1973, Czechoslovakia
"Golden Fern", 1963, Czechoslovakia
Read on to learn more about the fate of the actors who played the main roles in the film Three Nuts for Cinderella
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