phillindholm

''Cinderella'' has been adapted for the screen countless times, but films based on''Aschenputtel''the Grimm version of the tale, are rare. This one was made for German Television in 1989, and it's a faithful translation.The Grimm Brothers were known for their ''darker'' versions of familiar tales.''Aschenputtel'' is no exception. And, because of this it may not be suitable for all audiences. Though the Grimm ending, in which the Stepsister's eyes are plucked out by Cinderella's Doves, has not been included, the Stepsister's mutilation of their feet, (in a vain attempt to fit the shoe) is. The Grimm's also added a Spiritual quality to this retelling. There is no Fairy Godmother. It's the Guiding Spirit of her dead mother (through a magical tree) who watches over her and helps her attain her ''Happy Ending''. Not surprisingly, the focus here is on the abuse the Heroine suffers at the hands of her Stepmother and Stepsisters, making her eventual deliverance that much more satisfying. The German cast will be unfamiliar to most US viewers, but they are all excellent.Young Petra Vigna makes a sensitive, appealing Cinderella who will inspire viewer sympathy. The standout performance,however, comes from Krista Stadler, a veteran of European film and Television, who plays the wicked stepmother. She is deliciously nasty(and very beautiful) in the part-though she adds a touch of humor as well. Sets and costumes, while strangely recalling the 19th century rather than a mystical ''Once Upon A Time'' era, are still very attractive. .As for the photography, it's so good that it's really a shame the film was not made for movie theaters. The English-dubbed version which was newly titled ''Cinderella''for Stateside release,is a bit out of sync,(par for the course for Americanized foreign product), but the voices are first-rate. Sadly, the musical score is not. Often, when foreign films were dubbed for the US market, new background scores were composed for them. And,surprisingly,it wasn't unusual when the new music actually improved the film itself.It's a shame that didn't happen this time. Other than this drawback,the movie is very well done, and will especially appeal to lovers of the story. They won't be disappointed.

''Golden Needles'' was one of American International Pictures 20 year anniversary releases. A mixture of the then-popular Martial Arts genre with a ''Maltese Falcon'' like plot, it's a fast-moving, popcorn movie, the kind they used to make in the 40's. Starring Joe Don Baker (''Walking Tall'') and Elizabeth Ashley(''Rancho Deluxe''), the film spins an actionful tale, set in the seamy section of Hong Kong.Baker is a soldier of fortune-turned Antique Dealer, (or, maybe the other way around) who is hired by a mystery woman (Ashley) to steal a priceless ancient statue with the power to bestow long life (and sexual vigor) or instant death to he(or she) who owns it. Ashley herself has been cheated out of the statue by a powerful Chinese gang leader Roy Chiao) and she's after it for HER employer (a wizened Burgess Meredith, having a ball with his eccentric character). Karate star Jim Kelly (''Enter The Dragon'') appears briefly as Baker's partner in the Antique business. The legendary Ann Sothern is also aboard,and she's fine as another of Baker's pals, the tough but good-hearted proprietor of a seedy bar. Beautiful Frances Fong is around as well, as an agent for the Hong Kong government and also in pursuit of the statue.Double-crosses, fights, chases and mayhem ensue, but though the plot has more than it's share of threads, it is never confusing, thanks to ''Dragon's'' director, Robert Clouse, who treats it like the old-fashioned ''B'' movie it really is. Though produced on a low budget, as was the case with most American International movies,it looks like every penny spent is on the screen. The location photography is excellent, as is the classy art direction, and both lend plenty of atmosphere to the story.

The sets are also impressive,one in particular at the start of the film, is very reminiscent of the witch's lair in ''Suspiria'',but it pre-dates that film by 2 years. High praise goes to Lalo Schifrin's pulsating score as well. Though Meredith and Sothern were obviously added for their name value and have little to do,they, along with the rest of the cast seem to be enjoying themselves immensely,and if the viewer can suspend disbelief a bit and just go along with the story, they will, too. Previously available only in Canada, on a pan-and scan videotape, ''Golden Needles'' was released on DVD as part of the ''MGM DVD ON DEMAND'' series. It's presented in it's original Panavision format, with rich color and strong (if a bit grainy) picture quality. The sound is always intelligible,though slightly distorted here and there. But, all in all, it's a welcome release of a film that's been sadly neglected over the years. And one that may now get the attention it deserves.