A sinister witch steals the baby of a simple candlemaker and his wife and names her Rapunzel. Determined to keep Rapunzel for herself, the witch locks her up in a tall tower all alone, with no way in or out except by climbing her long, braided hair. Wonders and dangers occur when the girl meets a handsome prince.
Acting
Gena Rowlands devours as the witch—campy, terrifying, unhinged.
Production
Garish fairy-tale sets that look like a craft store exploded.
Costume
Rapunzel's 30-foot braid deserves its own credit.
Director
Gilbert Cates
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre, a Showtime series that recruited massive stars for children's stories.
Phil and Sal Fondacaro play the munchkins—these twin little people actors also appeared in Willow and Return of the Jedi.
US
