Hansel and Gretel (1987)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Len Talan

Writers:

Jacob Grimm (story), Wilhelm Grimm (story)

Stars:

David Warner, Hugh Pollard, Nicola Stapleton

Cast

Complete credited cast:
David Warner	...	Father
Hugh Pollard	...	Hansel
Nicola Stapleton	...	Gretel
Emily Richard	...	Mother
Cloris Leachman	...	Griselda The Witch
Susie Miller	...	Marta
Eugene Kline	...	Farmer
Warren Feigin	...	Baker
Josh Buland	...	Baker's Boy
Lutuf Nouasser	...	Blacksmith
Beatrice Shimshoni	...	Ribbon Lady

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

character names as title | child in jeopardy | hansel and gretel characters | lifting someone into the air | firenames as title | 

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Taglines:

Sugar and spice... and a witch who's not so nice!

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Genres:

Family | Fantasy | Musical

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cloris Leachman hates cigarette smoke and had to wear a lot of prosthetic make-up for her part as the witch. Due to frequent on-set smoking by crew members, the smoke would get into her mask and irritate her. She begged them not to smoke near her, which they begrudgingly tried to remember.

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Crazy Credits

A gingerbread man is shown on the left side of the screen during the end credits. At the very end, he winks at the audience.

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Connections

Version of Shrinkel and Stretchel (1965)

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Soundtracks

The Witch Is Dead
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck
from opera "Hänsel und Gretel"
Music Adaption by Michael Cohen
Lyrics by Enid Futterman and Nancy Weems
Performed by Children

User Reviews

Creepy!

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.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Adventures of Hansel and Gretel

Filming Locations:

GG Israel Studios, Jerusalem, Israel

Company Credits

Production Co:

Golan-Globus Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1