Movie spotlight
Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse
Once upon a time, there was a young prince who wanted to fulfill his greatest wish: to marry a princess! One night, there was a violent storm, and someone knocked on the castle gate. A princess stood before the king, who opened the door. She was soaked to the skin and did not look noble at all, but she insisted that she was a real princess. Not wanting to see her son unhappy again, the queen devised a plan. She prepared a bed for the young woman with mountains of mattresses and blankets, but placed a pea on the floor. In the morning, the princess wakes up feeling terribly bruised, having slept on something hard all night.
Insights
Plot Summary
This charming fairy tale adaptation tells the story of a prince who, tired of the superficial princesses he meets, longs for a true princess. His wish is unexpectedly granted when a drenched young woman appears at the castle during a storm, claiming to be a princess. To test her authenticity, the queen devises a test involving a single pea placed under a towering stack of mattresses and featherbeds.
Critical Reception
The film is a beloved classic in German cinema, particularly cherished for its faithful and delightful rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's tale. It has been praised for its innocent charm, heartwarming performances, and its ability to captivate both children and adults with its simple yet effective storytelling.
What Reviewers Say
A visually charming and faithful adaptation of the classic fairy tale.
Features strong performances, especially from the young princess.
An enduringly sweet and innocent film for all ages.
Google audience: While specific Google user reviews are not readily available for this older film, its enduring popularity and classic status suggest it is highly regarded by audiences who appreciate timeless fairy tale adaptations.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a popular series of fairy tale adaptations produced in post-war Germany, often filmed in black and white and aiming to provide wholesome entertainment.
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