Snezhnaya koroleva (1957)

Director:

Lev Atamanov

Writers:

Hans Christian Andersen (story)
Lev Atamanov (writer)

Release Date:

20 November 1959 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Fantasy | Family | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Young Girl | Surrealism | Damsel In Distress | Kidnapping | Palace

Cast

Vladimir Gribkov	...	Ole Lukoje (voice)
Mariya Babanova	...	The Snow Queen (voice)
Yanina Zhejmo	...	Gerda (voice)
Sergei Martinson	...	Karraks (voice)
Art Linkletter	...	English prologue
Billy Booth	...	English prologue
Rickey Busch	...	English prologue
Jennie Lynn	...	English prologue
Tammy Marihugh	...	English prologue
Paul Frees	...	Ol Dreamy / the Raven (voice: English version)
Louise Arthur	...	The Snow Queen (voice: English version)
Sandra Dee	...	Gerda (voice: English version)
Tommy Kirk	...	Kay (voice: English version)
Lillian Buyeff	...	Granny (voice: English version)
June Foray	...	Court Raven (voice: English version)

Also Known As:

Снежная королева (Soviet Union: Russian title)
The Snow Queen (USA)

Runtime:

55 min | Argentina:70 min | Russia:63 min | USA:74 min

Country:

Soviet Union

Language:

Russian

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Argentina:Atp | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | USA:Unrated

Company:

All-Union Animated Cartoon Film Studios

Trivia:

When this movie was released in the U.S. it contained a tacked-on live-action prologue featuring TV personality Art Linkletter. He introduced the movie and recited a rhyme: "One snowflake, two / three snowflakes, four / now you'll see the Snow Queen / if you count a million more." When he finished the rhyme, the movie began.

Movie Connections:

Edited into Retro Christmas Classics (2007) (V)

Great Adaptation!

I have fond memories of this film as a child... Watching it today, it actually still holds up well. The Russians have adapted one of Hans Christian Anderson's lesser-known tales quite well, and utilizes a talented cast for the English-language version: Sandra Dee, Tommy Kirk, Patty McCormick and even June Foray("Rocky" of ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE fame).

Like most of Anderson's stories, THE SNOW QUEEN has many dark moments, and might actually be a little frightening for the little ones, but also treats the viewer to a little bit of morality- that of the love and devotion of two childhood friends. While the actual film is great, the American-added prologue with TV Host Art Linkletter and a bunch of kids really dates the material... fast-forward and enjoy this wonderful treat for young and old.