When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989, a cornicopia of cinematic history was discovered......children's films from another time and another place. Delightful family entertainment from one of the most respected film studios in the world, DEFA Studios. Among these films, is the 1961 "Schneewittchen"....known in the English language as "Snow White". Directed by Gottfried Kolditz, "Schneewittchen" brings the 1812 fairytale by the Grimm Brothers magically to life.
As the title character, Doris Weikow brings grace and charm to our heroine. When playing Snow White, it is very easy to be over the top with sweetness, making the audience mock the performance. Miss Weikow plays the part sweet, without sending the audience into sugar shock. Most fairytale heroines are written as helpless victims. Snow White is no exception. But we have to remember, in the original fable, Snow White is only a seven years old child. With severe objection to a small girl marrying an adult prince, the character is most often portrayed as a young woman, making her victim status seem somewhat ridiculous. If you can get beyond that, this Snow White will certainly win your heart.
Marianne Christina Schilling plays the jealous Queen to the hilt. She truly hates her new stepdaughter. Her vanity controls her life to the point of madness. Not caring who knows she wants Snow White dead, this queen prances around the castle in full peddle woman disguise, several times being undressed by her handmaid, played by Steffie Spira. This shows the fear this new queen has put into her subjects. Although they all adore Snow White, they are helpless to come to her aid, for fear of punishment. If you love to hate a villian, then this is the villian for you!!
The Seven Dwarfs in this production are adorable. Unlike most versions, these guys aren't grotesque little imps, but simply very short men. They instantly fall in love with Snow White, and it shows on each and every one of their faces. These little guys truly want to protect and care for the princess, as will the audience for that matter. And unlike the Disney version, Snow White doesn't boss them around as if they were children. As much as I love the Disney film, that always bothered me a bit.
On the whole, this film is a must see if you are a Snow White fan. You won't regret watching this!!!
