"Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella": A Fairy Tale with Girl Power

"Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella": A Fairy Tale with Girl Power - "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella": A Fairy Tale with Girl Power

The beloved 1975 film Three Wishes for Cinderella remains a holiday classic across Europe, yet its creation holds a hidden story. While official credits list František Pavlíček and Ota Hofman as screenwriters, the true author faced political persecution. Behind the fairy-tale charm lies a tale of resilience and secrecy.

The film premiered on West German television on December 26, 1975, and quickly became a box-office sensation. Its unique take on Cinderella—portrayed by 19-year-old Libuše Šafránková—won hearts with its blend of girlish charm and defiant spirit.

The script’s origins trace back to an earlier rejection. Initially, the project was offered to director Vera Plívová-Šimková, who declined because she preferred modern fairy-tale adaptations. Václav Vorlíček later took charge, securing a co-production deal between Prague’s Barrandov Studios and East Germany’s DEFA. Filming took place at Moritzburg Castle in Saxony and near Železná Ruda on the Bavarian border.

The story drew inspiration from writer Božena Němcová and French fairy-tale traditions, reimagining the Brothers Grimm’s *Aschenputtel*. This Cinderella defied expectations—outsmarting her stepmother, challenging the prince, and even disguising herself as a boy. The film’s emancipated heroine became a symbol of girl power. Behind the scenes, František Pavlíček secretly penned the script. After the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion, he was forced into menial labour and later imprisoned for political reasons. Despite his contributions, his name was buried in official credits. The film’s success spread globally, with distribution rights sold worldwide. Its devoted fanbase grew beyond Germany, reaching countries like Norway. Libuše Šafránková’s portrayal of Cinderella—both spirited and self-assured—helped cement the film’s enduring popularity.

Decades after its release, Three Wishes for Cinderella remains a cultural touchstone. The film’s hidden history—from political repression to box-office triumph—adds depth to its fairy-tale legacy. Its unique blend of defiance and charm continues to captivate audiences across generations and borders.