Recommended by the National Education Association, this Americanized retelling of Cinderella takes place in a sweltering Southern town during pre-World War II. The story follows Ashpet, a kindhearted teenager nicknamed "Cinder Maid," who obeys every demand from her rude stepsisters and ambivalent mother. To help the stepsisters attract mates at a town Victory dance, Ashpet is sent to fetch love sachets from a conjure woman named Dark Sally. Dark Sally, who adores Ashpet, encourages her to bathe in a remote pond and wear a knockout dress hidden in the house. The rest of the tale follows the expected path, but its subtle humor, smart dialogue, and creative setting make it a refreshing substitute for other Cinderella stories.
Ashpet: An American Cinderella
A nostalgic drama set in the rural south during World War II, this film reimagines Cinderella in a poignant and memorable way.
