Cinderella (1912)

(First Reel) Cinderella's mother dies and her father marries a cruel widow with two ugly daughters of her own disposition. The father leaves on a long journey and poor Cinderella is soon forced to act as "slavey" to the tyrannical stepmother and her daughters. They abuse and mistreat her and finally turn her out of the house. The girl, footsore and weary, takes refuge in a deserted garden. Prince Charming refuses to marry the girl the king chooses for him and is thrust into prison. He makes his escape and by a strange coincidence attempts to hide in the same deserted garden that Cinderella has chosen. The prince has changed his garb for that of a milk vendor and in this apparel he meets Cinderella, who is also in rags. With each it is a case of love at first sight. He gives her a ring and she allows him to cut and keep a lock of her hair. The girl, now refreshed and happy, returns to her home, while the prince dreams of his girl in tatters. (Second Reel) The king issues a proclamation announcing that if the prince will return he may marry whomsoever he will. The prince, overjoyed, returns. Cinderella, now happy and carefree, pays little heed to her daily abuse and ill-treatment. She finds great comfort and solace in the ring, and memories, until one day the Prince is pointed out to her, and in him she recognizes her milk vendor. And so again her childish dreams are shattered. The king gives a grand ball in honor of his son. The stepmother and sisters go, leaving Cinderella behind, brokenhearted. Her fairy godmother then comes to her assistance, however, making it possible for Cinderella to attend the ball, the only requirement being that Cinderella leave the palace before midnight. Cinderella agrees and departs for the ball in state. (Third Reel) At the ball. Cinderella captivates the prince and his guests with her beauty and mischievousness. To him she looks familiar, but she steadfastly refuses to divulge her identity. Cinderella so thoroughly enjoys her evening with the prince that she forgets the approaching midnight hour until it arrives. Then suddenly remembering her godmother's admonition, she rushes from the palace, but in doing so she loses one of her silver slippers. Later the prince finds the slipper, and sends his couriers throughout the land, announcing that the owner of the foot that fits the slipper shall become his wife. Cinderella by chance is granted permission to try on the slipper and lo, she becomes a princess.

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Summary Details
GenresFantasy Romance Short