I saw this as a child of ten and am reacting as such: Instead of being shoved into the oven and cooked at the end, Hans Conried, as the witch, is simply locked in the cage in which s/he had kept Hansel, evidently for eventual rehabilitation. (He/She says, "I'm not really bad; I'm just misunderstood.") I am sure I was not the only child who felt cheated, as the cooking of the witch was the part that I had been particularly looking forward to! I don't remember too much else about this version except for Rise Stevens singing the prayer for the children. I much preferred the 1954 puppet version with Anna Russell as the witch. (She gets her just deserts in the usual manner--and actually ends up as a dessert of sorts, as she is transformed into gingerbread (not very good gingerbread, judging from the expression on the face of the child who tastes her!))
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ccoutroulos9 June 2006
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aliputput1 October 2002This musical is pure fun. Great performances by all, but Barbara Cook is just delightful. Though a kids musical by name, this is one that will enchant all ages. Corny, yes, but sweet. This movie is hard to find, but well worth the search. See it if you can!