Original and Remake: Alice In Wonderland

April's Original and Remake is Alice in Wonderland. It is based on the children's book from 1865, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. There have been many adaptations including films, TV series, comic strips and a live production. For this post I am focusing on three film adaptations from 1933, 1951 and 2010. Let's begin.

Alice in Wonderland (1933)

Directed By: Normand Z. McLeod

Starring: Charlotte Henry, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant

Running Time: 77 Minutes

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Directed By: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske

Voices Of: Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Richard Haydn

Running Time: 75 Minutes

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Directed By: Tim Burton

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp

Running Time: 108 Minutes

 I am incredibly biased here but the animated version is very special to me. It was one of the very first Disney movies I ever saw and I wanted so badly to be like Alice. The animated version was not very successful for box office but has since gained a loyal following. The main cast Kathryn Beaumont (Alice), Ed Wynn (Mad Hatter) and Verna Felton (Queen of Hearts) really stand out and make the film the classic it is. How can you not love the soundtrack, The Unbirthday Song has been a long-time favorite of mine, it's just so fun! The 1933 version is worth a watch, especially if you've never seen it before. It's fun seeing Cary Grant as Mock Turtle and Gary Cooper as White Knight and Charlotte Henry is a believable Alice. The costumes and makeup really bring this version to a whole other level. And this was the early 1930s when special effects had to be really creative. I have to admit the 2010 version is a little too dark for me- literally and figuratively, I know I've said this before about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but it's the truth. I know that's Tim Burton's way of directing but in a way the movie becomes almost closer to science fiction not fantasy. The 2010 version has a decent soundtrack, particularly Alice's Theme and Helena Bonham Carter stands out as the Red Queen but it't not enough for me to fully enjoy it. So if animated movies aren't your thing I recommend the 1933 version. 

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.