Watch Faerie Tale Theatre

Faerie Tale Theatre was a beloved and innovative anthology series that originally aired on Showtime from 1982 to 1987. Created by actress and producer Shelley Duvall, the show retold classic fairy tales with an all-star cast and modern production values. Each episode featured a different story, ranging from popular classics like Cinderella and Snow White to lesser-known tales like The Frog Prince and The Steadfast Tin Soldier. The stories were adapted by a variety of writers, including award-winning playwright David Mamet.

The episodes were directed by a range of filmmakers, from horror legend Stuart Gordon to acclaimed indie director Tim Burton. The series also featured striking and imaginative production design, with elaborate sets and costumes that brought the fairy tales to vivid life.

The show boasted an impressive ensemble cast that included some of Hollywood's biggest names. Bernadette Peters starred in multiple episodes, as did Christopher Reeve, who gave one of his final on-screen performances before his tragic accident. Other notable actors who appeared on the show included Bridgette Andersen, Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Beals, Liza Minnelli, Matthew Broderick, Paul Dooley, Paul Reubens (in his iconic role as Pee-wee Herman), Susan Sarandon, and Jean Stapleton.

Each episode of Faerie Tale Theatre was a unique and enchanting experience, offering a fresh and imaginative take on classic stories that had been told for centuries. The series was praised for its inventive storytelling, engaging performances, and lush production values.

What set Faerie Tale Theatre apart from other anthology series of the era was its commitment to bringing classic stories to life in a fresh and modern way. The show eschewed the simplistic, saccharine storytelling of Disney cartoons and instead sought to reinterpret these timeless tales for a contemporary audience.

The show's innovative approach was particularly evident in its casting choices. While other fairy tale adaptations of the time were content to cast plucky teenagers in the lead roles, Faerie Tale Theatre featured mature and accomplished actors in every role. This led to some truly inspired performances, such as Christopher Reeve's turn as the suave and dapper Prince in Cinderella, or Susan Sarandon's haunting portrayal of the evil Queen in Snow White.

The episodes themselves were also notable for their bold and imaginative visuals. Each story was brought to life with striking and often surreal visuals - from the whimsical, candy-colored world of Hansel and Gretel to the haunting, gothic landscapes of Sleepy Hollow. This bold visual approach helped to make the show feel like a vivid and unforgettable experience.

Despite its short run, Faerie Tale Theatre was a landmark series that helped to redefine the way that classic stories were adapted and told on television. Its legacy can still be felt today in countless adaptations and retellings of classic fairy tales, which continue to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.