The best fairy tale film of the 20th century in the Czech Republic, the most popular fairy tale film in Germany, millions of fans in Europe: "Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel" (German), "Tři oříšky pro Popelku" (Czech) or "Three Wishes for Cinderella".
Thanks in no small part to an ever-growing fan base, the almost 50-year-old film is the most-watched fairy tale in the world at Christmas time. In Germany alone, it is shown a total of 13 times by 10 different TV channels - with top ratings. In Austria and Switzerland, too, the seemingly timeless classic is part of the Christmas programme.
The Czech-East German production, shot on a very low budget in 1973, fascinates everyone who comes into contact with it. One interesting aspect: about half of the actors spoke either Czech or German, as in the film - each in their own language. After filming was completed, the respective dubbing was done in German or Czech.
Shooting locations: the Barrandov studio in Prague, the DEFA studios in Potsdam-Babelsberg, the Bohemian Forest and, of course, Švihov Castle near Plzeň in Bohemia, Czech Republic (Cinderella's parents' home) and Moritzburg Castle in Saxony near Dresden (home of the royal family).
A beautiful and touching piece of music is the unmistakable signature of this fairy tale. The Czech composer Karel Svoboda wrote the title melody and made himself immortal with it.
The leading actress Libuše Šafránková, then 19 years old, also quickly proved to be a real hit. Her carefree, natural manner enchanted the audience, and very quickly she received the name "Princess of Hearts".
A highly decorated mime from my home region - for me one of the best German actors who has appeared in 400 films - Rolf Hoppe shines as the King.
I feel the need to dedicate this video to the three people mentioned, who are unfortunately no longer in our world, but remain unforgotten: Libuše Šafránková (1953-2021) , Rolf Hoppe (1930-2018) and Karel Svoboda (1938-2007).
My intention in editing the film was both to arouse the curiosity of fairy tale lovers outside Europe with the most beautiful and important scenes and to take all Cinderella lovers, young and old, away from their everyday lives for five minutes, regardless of the broadcast dates at Christmas.
I will especially remember an additional scene at sunrise that I integrated into the film (0:44). It was a cold Monday morning in February, minus 13 degrees, the last day there was still beautiful powder snow. An incredible moment when the sun shone indirectly on horse and rider riding up the horizon.
The current circumstances are hitting art and culture hard in all countries - no concerts, no castle tours, no exhibitions. Both Svihov Castle and Moritzburg Castle have had to cancel or close their exhibitions, which were prepared with much effort and heart and soul, and close their doors. Therefore, my appeal to you: visit both places as soon as it is possible again.
The sights in Svihov and Moritzburg with their history and architecture go far beyond this film - it's worth it!
I have so many beautiful shots of both castles that I will present Švihov and Mortizburg 2022 and 2023 in separate films.
By the way: There is a golden shoe from Cinderella at both filming locations that the ladies absolutely must try on!
Thank you very much:
Schloss Moritzburg: Frau Dr. Dominique Fliegler, Henriette Starke and Steffi Schuch
[ Ссылка ]
Burg Švihov: Kastelán Lukáš Bojčuk
[ Ссылка ]
Special thanks to:
Sport rider Lina Michalik
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Drone sequence Moritzburg: Stephan Weißflog
and to my cover designer Torsten Lorenz, Dresden. BurunduXX-Factory [ Ссылка ]
