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The Singing Ringing Tree [1957]
![The Singing Ringing Tree [1957]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uhbBo7xDL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £14.99
Our Price: £6.93 (subject to change)
cult
Review date: 2008-06-21 Rating: 6 out of 10
Now live in Australia and I have introduced this film to many kids over here who are totally in love with this and watch it over and over.Think we are all in our late forties early fifties who remember this and for some reason it has a hold on everyone who saw it.In london about five years ago there was a radio programme about it saying there is now a cult following,check a web sight.They were likening it to fascism and really weird stuff but admitted it was crazy fun.Leave CGI behind people,forget expensive productions and wallow in this time old fantasy,kids five six etc will love it.
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Reviews
Ridley Scott?
Review date: 2007-12-02 Rating: 10 out of 10
I loved this as part of the "Tales From Europe" series on telly way, way back when everything was in black and white.
And then I saw Ridley Scott's "Legend", and loved that too. Both versions, both soundtracks, wonderful!
But I was aware, from that very first viewing of Legend that there were echoes of "The Singing Ringing Tree" right throughout the film. Not just the main theme of "Spoilt and Beautiful Princess is Humbled and Learns Better" but the glowing fantasy imagery; horned horses in the snow, deep pools of water, walls of fire. My assumption is that the young Ridley also saw Singing Ringing Tree as a lad and was similarly moved by the lyrical images and the story of love, hope and redemption.
A film that puts a number of modern epics to shame
Review date: 2007-09-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
I only spotted this film on on an off chance - while looking through fantasy dvds and upon reading some reviews decided to give it a try. Being of a younger generation I'd never heard of the singing ringing tree and in spite of it's old fashioned special effects it holds a greater magic than a number of modern epics. It reminded me instantly of Hans Christian Andersen and the brothers Grimm in that there is far more sinister element to it, which may be likened to the old fairy tales. It appears to be somewhat of combination of the snow white/rose red story and the original beauty and the beast story with perhaps a little of Rumpelstiltskin added into the mix.
A young prince courts the favour of a beautiful princess, but she refuses his advances until she is brought the singing ring tree. The prince sets off on a quest to find it, travelling to the ends of the earth where he finds a hidden land. There he meets a malicious dwarf who gives him the tree on condition he wins the princesses' love by sunset. If he fails the task he will turn into a bear and reside in the hidden land..
Memories are made of this ......
Review date: 2007-07-03 Rating: 6 out of 10
I have not yet purchased the DVD (hence 3 stars from memory) although its on my wish list. However I still recall watching this first time around 40 odd years ago (?) Definitely in black and white at the time, it still brings back disturbing memories, not sure why - it was clearly a fairy tale but with a more sinister edge than others at the time, it definitely drew you into the story. Will be interesting to see what today's children make of it. I'm not sure who this could be recommended to other than those who also remember it from long ago.
Happy Days from Behind the Sofa
Review date: 2007-06-13 Rating: 10 out of 10
Definitely of an era: I don't think anyone has quite been able to pigeon-hole this one, naive and tacky at one end with simple scenery, dodgy acting and shoddy costumes, yet it captured a real sense of fantasy and atmosphere.
It is rather a shock to discover the series (now presented in one part as the original film) was in colour, I am sure everyone's memory was of a hazy black and white blur, perhaps a little of the atmosphere is lost, but the DVD capture is now bright and vibrant and fitting for the fairy tale world. The sound track is a little wobbly in parts, with some noticeable background hiss, but nothing that detracts too much from the viewing.
The story is that of a spoilt princess being courted by a prince from a foreign land. The princess asks for the Singing Ringing Tree as proof of his love. Suffice to say, a search ensues, rash promises are made and the dwarf king of a magical land with a bad line in fist-shaking acting turns the prince into a bear having a bad hair day. The princess is brought to the land and... well you can see for yourself. That bridge into the magic kingdom still makes me nervous.
You need to suppress modern cynicism when watching an old series like this, but it still works: not sure what age children would appreciate it though. It didn't destroy my happy memories of this childhood experience.
No extras worth mentioning: just a stilted interview with the princess, with a few snippets of information about the making.
Product Details/Specifications
Artist(s):
Tales from Europe
Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626255145
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-03-31
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 70 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1957
Language: English (Unknown)
Language: English (Original Language)