Complete credited cast: | |||
David Warner | ... | Father | |
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Hugh Pollard | ... | Hansel |
Nicola Stapleton | ... | Gretel | |
Emily Richard | ... | Mother | |
Cloris Leachman | ... | Griselda The Witch | |
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Susie Miller | ... | Marta |
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Eugene Kline | ... | Farmer |
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Warren Feigin | ... | Baker |
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Josh Buland | ... | Baker's Boy |
Lutuf Nouasser | ... | Blacksmith | |
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Beatrice Shimshoni | ... | Ribbon Lady |
Based on the fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm. Hansel and Gretel are abandoned after the famine strike in the village and where Hansel and Gretel are later trapped in the deceptively decorated house of the witch Griselda who wishes to fatten Hansel so that he may be baked into a delicious gingerbread treat. Written by Jeff Hole <jeffhole@aol.com>
I remember this being on the Disney Channel in the late 80's and mid 90's. It is the most terrifying version of the story that you will ever see. Based on the Brothers Grimm story, it follows two children named Hansel(Hugh Pollard) and Gretel(Nicola Stapelton). Theyb are sent out into the forest to pick berries and they stray from the "safe" woods and enter the forbidden North Woods were they meet a witch named Griselda (Cloris Leachman). They think they have found shelter, but have really landed in the liar of an evil witch who likes to eat children.
The opening is not faithful to the Brothers Grimm story, but it is forgivable, because of the terrifying last half, Cloris Leachman's performance, Nicola and Hugh as the two children, and some nice sets and music numbers.
Keep this one away from children under age 7.