The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm

US (1962): Musical/Fantasy

This long, 135-minute feature is divided into four different segments, three highlighting fairy tales and the first introducing the two Brothers Grimm. Wilhelm (Laurence Harvey) is the dreamer, and Jacob (Karlheinz Böhm) is the practical one, and between them, some marvelous fairy tales develop. Seguing into the first tale about the "Dancing Princess," co-directors Henry Levin and George Pal -- also the producer -- allow their special-effects artists full rein. In-between dancing, the princess (Yvette Mimieux) falls in love with a charming woodsman (Russ Tamblyn). In the second story about the "Cobbler and the Elves," a Christmas miracle of dedicated labor helps the cobbler out when he most needs it. In the last story, a fire-breathing dragon threatens the kingdom until a lowly servant (Buddy Hackett) saves the day.

One of the highlights of this production are the Puppetoons, and another is Cinerama^© -- three projectors working to create a three-paneled (sometimes visibly so), wide-screen panorama. This was billed as the first dramatic film to be shot with the 3-camera process. Cast also features Claire Bloom, Walter Slezak, Barbara Eden, Oskar Homolka and Arnold Stang. (Cinerama/MGM) (Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide)

 Use this link to view the trailer for the wide release of The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm on TCM.com.

4 nominations, 1 Award