The Singing Ringing Tree (1957)
"Das singende, klingende Bäumchen" (original title)

A brave prince wants to win the heart of a stubborn princess by finding the singing, ringing tree for her. He finally locates it in the magical realm of an evil dwarf who offers him a deal:... See full summary »

Director:

Francesco Stefani

Writers:

Anne Geelhaar (scenario), Jacob Grimm (story),

Stars:

Christel Bodenstein, Charles Hans Vogt, Eckart Dux

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christel Bodenstein	...	Die hochmütige Prinzessin / Arrogant Princess
Charles Hans Vogt	...	Der greise König / Aged King (as Charles H. Vogt)
Eckart Dux	...	Der schöne Prinz / Handsome Prince
Richard Krüger	...	Der böse Zwerg / Wicked Dwarf
Dorothea Thiesing	...	Amme / Nurse
Günther Polensen	...	Schloßhauptmann / Captain of the Guard
Fredy Barten	...	Minister
Egon Vogel	...	Hauptmann / Zeremonienmeister
Paul Knopf	...	Wächter
Paul Pfingst	...	Bauer
Friedrich Teitge	...	Gärtner
Maria Besendahl	...	Kräuterweib (as Anna-Maria Besendahl)
Jürgen	...	Page
Norbert	...	Page
Wolfgang	...	Page

Storyline

A brave prince wants to win the heart of a stubborn princess by finding the singing, ringing tree for her. He finally locates it in the magical realm of an evil dwarf who offers him a deal: he can keep the tree if it starts singing before sundown - which it will only do if the princess truly loves him. Otherwise, he will be turned into a bear. Reminiscent of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.

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Plot Keywords:

singing | princess | tree | dwarf | bear | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Family | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

East Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

15 December 1957 (East Germany)

Also Known As:

The Singing Ringing Tree

Filming Locations:

Studio Babelsberg, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany

Company Credits

Production Co:

DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme, Deutsche Film (DEFA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

74 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 2002, BBC broadcast a radio-program about the film and its reception in the United Kingdom. The program is still available on the BBC website.

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Quotes

Die hochmütige Prinzessin: Me pick berries? I am a princess!

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Connections

Featured in The 100 Greatest Kids TV Shows (2001)

User Reviews

Hide behind the sofa when the dwarf appears

This is as you remember watching it as a child. Lifelike, overtly coloured and full of magical splendor, terrifying nasties and surreal characters. In short, do not shy away from this opportunity to show a "Christmas Special" to your children in favour of the usual fare from Disney and co. Rather, pop a fresh batch of pop corn, get first dibs on the comfy chair and opt for what was arguably one of the highlights of East German children's programming.